Likud ministers hand Netanyahu resignations

Likud ministers on Thursday presented their letters of resignation from the government to Likud Party Leader Benjamin Netanyahu, heeding a call by the Likud leader to quit the coalition ahead of the general elections.

The four ministers decided during a meeting to resign in an organized fashion during Sunday's cabinet meeting in spite of Netanyahu demands that they quit Thursday.

On Wednesday, the eve of Likud primaries, Netanyahu instructed Likud ministers - Limor Livnat, Silvan Shalom, Yisrael Katz and Danny Naveh - to submit government resignation letters Thursday morning.

The letters would come into force within 48 hours from the moment they are submitted.

However, sources close to the ministers said they had decided not to pull out of the government, despite Netanyahu's call to quit.

"Netanyahu put a gun to the ministers' heads on the eve of party primaries. The four ministers decided that at present it was better not to answer to his request," they said.

Netanyahu had a difficult conversation with the ministers, where he claimed they were questioning his leadership and harming the party's unity prior to coming elections.

Earlier, the party leader said he had decided to act on his

decision to withdraw his party from the government after Kadima and Labor resumed full political activity.

"Kadima is taking steps toward beginning the division of Jerusalem, and Likud cannot serve as an alternative while sitting in the government and executing its policy," he said.

Netanyahu spoke with the ministers prior to announcing his decision to the media. According to party regulations, he cannot force the ministers to quit.

Likud officials said some of the ministers were displeased with the party leader's decision, as they had hoped Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's medical condition would enable them to remain in their position for a longer period of time.

Sources close to Netanyahu said "he is convinced the faction members will know how to appreciate the Likud ministers that pledged a week ago to act according to his decision to give up their offices out of loyalty to the Likud and its way. We believe that the ministers will respect their decision."

'We expected irresponsible behavior from Bibi’

Sources in Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s Office said Wednesday evening they were surprised at the news that Netanyahu had decided to instruct his party ministers to quit the government.

"We have just received the announcement and will consider which steps to take. It appears that replacements for the six ministers will be appointed Sunday, in another week-and-a-half. A final decision will follow," Olmert's office said in a statement.

Olmert's aides told Ynet “we have already witnessed

such scenarios by Netanyahu and we expected irresponsible behavior from him.”

“The ‘heir’ restrained himself for a few days and returned to politics. We are not particularly impressed with plans of the Likud ministers to resign; their resignation will not affect the government’s stability,” they added.

Other Kadima sources said, “We have always said Netanyahu cannot withstand pressure, reacts hysterically and has difficulties coping with difficult and complicated situations. Today we have another proof of his weakness.”

Another senior Kadima official told Ynet "Netanyahu understood he had no choice but to take this political step out of desperation. Calling for the ministers to resign comes after today's media slam, after his comments in the New York Times regarding Sharon's heir."

"He knows that after Likud primaries he won't have anything more to give. This is why he is pressuring his ministers to quit. He fears that his comments in the New York Times regarding the heir and our harsh criticism may affect the polls, so he pulled out his Judgment Day weapon," the source said.

Ronny Sofer contributed to the report