Sharon gets tough with Cabinet over Gaza

ISRAELI Prime Minister Ariel Sharon yesterday threatened to dismiss members of his Cabinet who do not support his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.

This has raised the stakes in a showdown that could lead to the break-up of his government, participants in the meeting said.

Mr Sharon told the ministers during a heated Cabinet debate that he is determined to get his plan approved even if he has to "change the make-up of the government or take unprecedented political steps," one of those present said on condition of anonymity.