Sharon survives major leadership challenge

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon survived a major challenge to his leadership of the ruling Likud Party yesterday, escaping with a narrow victory in a ballot that was widely seen as a referendum on his rule and the recent withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The victory capped a dramatic comeback for Sharon, who has been vilified by Likud hard-liners for the withdrawal and who had been trailing in recent opinion polls as recently as Sunday. Sharon’s supporters said the victory meant the prime minister would push forward with his peace efforts.