Sharon ‘replaces’ Bibi for a day

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon held a round of discussions with Likud ministers, Vice Premier Shimon Peres, and Coalition Chairman Gideon Saar on Monday following the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ministers were not told about the reason for the meeting, but assumed they would be discussing the political significance of Netanyahu’s resignation.

However, it soon became clear that the prime minister had invited them to discuss the passing of the upcoming budget.

Netanyahu was supposed to meet with the ministers Monday in order to pass the budget, but due to his resignation, the prime minister took his place for a day. A special government session on the 2006 budget is expected to take place on Tuesday.

Likud sources said early Monday the prime minister is attempting to show the party is united, to create an impression at least that he is consulting with the ministers, and possibly attempt to isolate Netanyahu.

During the round of meetings, Sharon was also expected to meet with ministers opposed to the disengagement plan in an attempt to convince them to remain in the government.

Olmert appointed

Industry and Trade Minister Ehud Olmert was appointed Sunday evening by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as temporary finance minister. The decision was made despite Labor Party ministers hope that Sharon would nominate party leader and Vice Premier Shimon Peres to fill the spot.

Sharon informed Olmert of his intention to continue the fiscal policy and to present the state budget for approval before the government as scheduled on Tuesday.

Government Secretary Yisrael Maimon informed Olmert of the temporary appointment of three months, in which a government approval is needed.

A Knesset vote is not needed in this instance, as the position is not a permanent one.  

The government is set to approval Olmert's new position on Tuesday, when Netanyahu's resignation takes effect.

“The business community is surely happy that it’s Olmert.” Likud sources said earlier. “He is the Industry and Trade Minister and the business community is quite satisfied with his actions.”

Just Temporary

Sharon has yet to name a permanent replacement, though.  For now, Olmert will keep his current post while also looking after economic affairs. 

However, Sharon is expected to nominate a permanent replacement for Netanyahu from amongst serving Knesset members, rather than from outside.

In order to nominate a replacement from outside the Knesset, Sharon would need Knesset ratification, a vote that could turn into a “Via Dolorosa” for the prime minister.

Early elections?

The political establishment and associates close to Sharon and Netanyahu are now talking about possible early elections at the beginning of next year.

Political sources estimate that nothing will happen until after disengagement.

“The government has a safety net as long as the disengagement is carried out,” one source said.

However, Likud sources said that they are certain Netanyahu is challenging Sharon.

“Until now the group of rebels have not had someone to lead them, now the situation has changed,” one source said. “Meanwhile, the election campaign has started and the Prime Minister’s success, if he decides to run, is dependent upon the pullout. If it will pass quietly and be relatively successful, Sharon will be able to have elections."

But there are those who do not believe early elections are on the cards.

“Sharon can continue to survive with the Labor party, and by adding Shinui,” an additional source said in response.

Ilan Marciano contributed to this article.