http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3123848,00.htmlBibi announces resignation
During Sunday’s government session, Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells ministers he is quitting the government. Bibi says he will explain motives for his decision in press conference Sunday evening
By YnetnewsStunning announcement: Eight days before the pullout's official start date, Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced during Sunday’s government session that he has decided to quite the government.
“Here is my (resignation) letter,” the finance minister told Prime Minister Sharon and placed a handwritten note on the government table. “The reasons for my resignation are all written here.”
Netanyahu has been under immense pressure by right-wingers to take a firmer stand against the disengagement plan, but resisted the calls until now.
The finance minister said he will explain the motives for his decision at a press conference Sunday evening.
During Sunday’s government session, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told the cabinet he is not bothered by how individual ministers vote on the first phase of settlement evacuation.
“Some view themselves as military experts,” he said. “Let them vote as they see fit.”
Five Likud ministers, Benjamin Netanyahu, Danny Naveh, Yisrael Katz, Tsachi Hanegbi and Limor Livnat, were expected to vote against settlement evacuation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharon and six other Likud ministers are expected to back the proposal, as would the eight Labor party ministers.
However, with Netanyahu's resignation, the political system is certain to go into turmoil.