Sharon survives key budget vote

The Knesset finance committee passed the budget in one of four votes which the government needs to win to survive.

Rebels from the ruling Likud party backed the government in return for support over a referendum on Gaza withdrawal in another committee.

But a key ultra-orthodox party insists it will vote against any referendum.

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the spiritual leader of the Shas Party, resisted pressure from Gaza settlers and Likud rebels and has told Shas MPs - who hold a balance of power - to oppose a referendum.

The political manoeuvring came as Israel sealed off the West Bank and Gaza in preparation for the Jewish Purim holiday.

Closure orders are routine for such holidays, because of fears that Palestinian bombers might attack large gatherings at parades or festivals.

Delay fears

Mr Sharon's compromise with Likud rebels, which resulted in the parliamentary law committee backing the referendum bill on Wednesday, was originally seen as a setback for the prime minister.

But the decision by the Shas party means that the bill has almost no chance of passing the full Knesset, analysts say.

Correspondents say Shas leaders are reluctant to introduce plebiscites for fear that would expose Israel's ultra-Orthodox minority to referendums on other issues.

Mr Sharon has opposed the bill on the grounds that it could seriously delay the pull-out.

Opinion polls consistently show a majority of Israelis favour leaving Gaza, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

Mr Sharon proposes to pull out all settlers and soldiers who protect them. Israel will maintain control of Gaza's external borders, airspace and coastline.

The budget has to be passed by the end of March for the government to survive, but correspondents say Mr Sharon's manoeuvring has almost certainly assured him of success in three further votes next week.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Israeli government
Palestinian National Authority
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites