Likud panel to discuss PM's request to hold party poll in April

[Gimel]

The Likud elections committee is to convene Sunday to discuss Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's request to hold the party referendum on his disengagement plan within the next three weeks, Israel Radio reported Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sharon met Saturday evening with Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz, a leading opponent of the plan and chairman of the Likud Central Committee, Sharon aides said.

The two were trying to settle disagreements, including over the date of the vote and who would formulate the referendum question.

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Some of the Likud politicians concluded that Sharon is not convinced his plan will win approval in the referendum. They also claimed Sharon's descriptions of benefits to be received from the U.S. have too many loose ends - Sharon has been unable to explain what exactly Israel would receive in exchange for territorial withdrawal. Also, the Likud politicians believe Sharon is preparing to alter the composition of the coalition after he returns from the U.S. and presents his separation plan to the government for approval - Sharon believes at least 15 Labor MKs will replace counterparts from the right, who will leave the government coalition.

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More here

I included the last paragraph in interest of the future government in case the disengagement plan does not pass Likud right-wing-tipper block.