Committee OK's extra pullout funds

The fund transfer was approved thanks to the support of Knesset Member Ahmed Tibi (Hadash-Ta'al).

A deal between Tibi and Housing and Construction Minister Yitzhak Herzog regarding the allocation of resources for construction in the "triangle"  - a northern Israel region where most Arab Israelis reside - and in Arab areas in the Negev "convinced" Tibi to vote in favor of the transfer.

"I killed two birds with one stone," Tibi said. "I helped evacuate the settlements and also obtained resources for construction in the Arab sector."

Prior to the meeting, Tibi hinted at his intention to strike a "deal" for his vote of approval.  

"There are no free lunches, and for my part, let Sharon lose the vote," he said. "You must remember I represent the Arab sector. I have passed along a number of requests to the Housing and Construction Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office, and if they would have the right answers for me, I'll consider voting."

Government majority not assured

The transfer was approved despite an earlier warning by Finance Committee member Ayoob Kara (Likud).

"We will not transfer even one shekel to the malicious and dangerous plan; it is sad that Sharon is dependent today upon the benevolence of Israel haters (Ahmed) Tibi and (Mohammad) Barakeh."

On Monday, the government requested the Finance Committee allocate an extra NIS 108 million for the benefit of relocating settlers slated for evacuation in the framework of the pullout.

However, the request was not voted on, as a majority could not be assured. A government majority is also not quaranteed, as Likud committee members are expected to object to the proposal.

"This is almost the last chance for the Finance Committee to approve budgets for the disengagement plan, Labor Knesset member Avraham Shochat said. "Afterwards we won't be able to transfer a cent."