Labor, opposition settle on election day

Labor MKs voice support for newly-elected leader, agreed to 'end coalition with Likud and leave Sharon’s government'

Reuters | Published: 11.15.05, 19:04

Opposition parties Tuesday decided on March 7 as the date for general elections in talks with Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz.

Peretz and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon are set to discuss the chosen date Thursday during their first meeting since Peretz’ surprise victory in the Labor primaries.

Peretz met opposition leader MK Yosef Lapid (Shinui) who confirmed that his party had been approached by Likud to join the coalition should Labor go ahead with its threat to quit the government.

Lapid told Peretz he rejected the offer and agreed with the Labor chairman that the Knesset should be dismantled.

Labor MKs voiced their support for the newly elected leader and agreed to “end the coalition with Likud and to leave Sharon’s government.”

Meanwhile, the National Union and National Religious Party decided to postpone until Monday a joint no-confidence motion against the government.

Peretz persuaded the twe parties to postpone the motion, giving him enough time to test Sharon's mood on Thursday. The opposition's chance at toppling the government is slim if Labor remains in the coalition.