Labor Decides To Put an End to Olmert Government

Arutz Sheva
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
June 23, 2008

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126604

(IsraelNN.com) The Labor party caucus decided a short time ago to back party chairman Ehud Barak and vote against the government Wednesday on a bill to dissolve the government. The decision effectively is the last nail in the coffin for the government of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Three Labor Knesset Members, Education Minister Yuli Tamir (Labor) and MKs Amir Peretz and Yoram Marciano did not vote on the caucus decision. The bill, sponsored by Likud MK Silvan Shalom, has the backing of the other key coalition party, Shas, as well as Opposition parties.

Prime Minister Olmert warned at the Cabinet meeting on Sunday that he will fire any ministers who vote against the government. Labor chairman and Defense Minister Barak had given the Prime Minister a June 25 deadline to step down or face a majority vote for dissolution.

If Prime Minister Olmert fires the ministers, the next move could be a no-confidence motion that would force elections. The dissolution bill allows for the possibility of a new government.
Labor Agriculture Minister Shalom Simchon said he is considering quitting the Cabinet before Wednesday's vote.