In yet another effort to save his collapsing coalition, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday sent messages to Labor Party ministers, that if they raise their hands in support of the bill to dissolve the Knesset, they will be compelled to seek jobs elsewhere, stating they will be dismissed from their cabinet posts.

Party Secretary Eitan Cabel stated with confidence that despite the threats, the majority of Labor faction members will vote to dissolve the government.

It should be noted that Labor leader Ehud Barak, who serves as defense minister, cannot vote since he is not a MK. Therefore, logic would dictate that even if Labor ministers are dismissed, it would not include Barak but this remains to be seen.

Aides to Barak indicate the party leader will not back down and faction members will vote their conscience and Olmert will live with the consequences.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)