Sharon Leaving Likud; Asks Katzav to Dissolve Knesset

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to announce that he will quit the center-right Likud party he helped establish three decades ago. In a move that will delay any movement in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, Sharon asked Israel's ceremonial president, Moshe Katsav, on Monday to call an early election. Katsav said he would weigh the request, consult with other parties, and give his decision soon.
 
Source Article: Patrick Goodenough