Ministers issue Sharon referendum ultimatum

Four influential ministers in Ariel Sharon’s Likud Party said tonight they would resign from the government if the prime minister did not agree within two weeks to hold a national referendum on his Gaza withdrawal plan.

Sharon has opposed calls by settlers and hard-line politicians to hold a national vote, saying it was a delaying tactic meant to scupper the plan.

The announcement by the four ministers puts added pressure on Sharon to hold a referendum, but it was unclear whether it would threaten his government. However, it could give him added impetus to form a new governing coalition with moderate and dovish parties.

The announcement came minutes after the parliament approved Sharon’s plan in a 67-45 vote.

Just before the vote the pro-settler National Religious Party, a key part of Sharon’s coalition, announced it would quit within 14 days if Sharon did not pledge to hold a national poll on the plan in the coming months.

Four Likud ministers – Benjamin Netanyahu, Limor Livnat, Yisrael Katz and Danny Naveh – voted for the plan and then immediately demanded Sharon accept the NRP ultimatum or they would resign from the government.

“I believe that the prime minister will go for a referendum and we can all do the right thing, if not, we have to say enough, is enough,” Livnat said.