Sharon appeals to voters to support Gaza plan

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon issued a last-minute appeal to voters in his Likud Party to support his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, saying that rejection in a party referendum today would threaten the country’s future.

Today’s Likud vote was a critical test for Sharon. A loss would likely spark a major political crisis, including a possible Cabinet reshuffle, a split in the hard-line party or even early elections.