Free Republic

Feb. 9, 2005 4:33 | Updated Feb. 9, 2005 6:36 Yosef opposes referendum on pullout By GIL HOFFMAN Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz shows Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef the map of the disengagement plan to try and convince him to support the plan Photo: Ariel Jerozolimski Shas mentor Rabbi Ovadia Yosef decided on Tuesday to oppose a national referendum on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's unilateral disengagement plan, declining to follow the lead of Degel Hatorah mentor Rabbi Shalom Yosef Elyashiv. Elyashiv stunned his rabbinical cohorts on Monday when he endorsed Knesset Law Committee chairman Michael Eitan's referendum bill. Degel...

Last Update: 12/01/2005 23:03 PM wins war of wills with Likud rebels on State Budget bill By Mazal Mualem and Zvi Zrahiya, Haaretz Correspondents The Knesset on Wednesday approved the first reading of the 2005 State Budget bill after the Likud rebels decided to support it. The bill was passed by a majority of 64 to 53 MKs, thus preventing a deep parliamentary crisis as sources close to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned that if the bill was rejected, Sharon would not hesitate to call on new elections. The anti-disengagement Likud rebels decided earlier on Wednesday to vote in favor...