Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Monday asked from the parliament an approval to the formation of his new cabinet, which includes Labor and Yahadut HaTorah (United Torah Judaism). Sharon declared the Monday Knesset poll a no-confidence vote, claiming that anyone who voted against the new government would be responsible for causing a "disaster" for the country.
Sharon's move came hours after 13 members of the parliament from his ruling Likud party decided to vote against the new government, Israel Radio reported.
Under the no-confidence regulations, if 61 MPs vote against the measure backed by the ruling coalition, the government falls.
"Whoever wants to bring about another disaster on Israel, whoever wants to split the Likud faction in opposition to the decision of the central committee, whoever wants to go to elections or to another, less good coalition should vote no-confidence in our government, in the Likud government today," Sharon said.
