Sharon threatens sackings over Gaza withdrawal

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today threatened to dismiss Cabinet ministers who do not support his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, raising the stakes in a showdown that could break up the government, participants in the meeting said.

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.