Landau Unwilling to Bow Out of Likud Race
PM Sharon Favors Early Elections
Lapid on Peretz’s Economics: No Free Lunch
Eidelberg Against Ichud Leumi and Mafdal
The Merger of Yamin Israel and the Jewish National Front
Replay of previous election minus Michael Kleiner and Herut. MB
Sharon Seriously Considering Launching a New Party
Sharon, Peretz Agree on February-March Elections
Excerpts:
“‘I’m letting him choose a date in that period between the end of February and the end of March and whatever date he chooses is acceptable to me, the earlier the better,’ Peretz said. ‘(Sharon) was adamant that we need to go to elections as soon as possible.'”
“The main reasons Sharon would choose to form a new party would be to gain independence from the Likud faction and because forming a new party would allow him to immediately start his campaign against Peretz instead of embarking on a Likud primary race against Netanyahu and Likud rebel leader Uzi Landau.”
“Channel 1 reported that Sharon adviser Reuven Adler was spotted at a Tel Aviv caf speaking to Justice Minister Tzipi Livni about the potential for a new party.”
“The reasons for remaining in the Likud include Sharon not wanting to abandon a proven brand name and the fact that, due to its 40 Knesset seats, the Likud will be given significant funding and television airtime from the government. If Sharon forms a new party, he would have to raise a sizable amount of money – something that may be difficult after his son, MK Omri Sharon, was convicted on Tuesday of illegally raising funds for his father.”
“Netanyahu said the Likud primary should be held ‘in a reasonable time’ of some six weeks with the general election following as late as possible since ‘we need time to allow Peretz’s support to erode.'”