Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is contemplating dismissing Defense Minister Ehud Barak in response to what he perceives a rebellious behavior. Olmert is indicating he will make good on his threat if Labor does not vote in favor of the state budget.

Aides to the prime minister state that the budget must be past, regardless of political differences. They add that Barak’s objections to the proposed budget are politically motivated, and if his Labor party does indeed oppose the budget, the prime minister will indeed weigh his dismissal.

Labor official Eitan Cabel explained the party on Monday voted against supporting the budget vote next week, adding the budget will determine if the current government remains or if elections will be held.

At present, it appears that Shas and the Pensioners Party are also planning to oppose the budget, ensuring it will not pass the vote.

In response to the report, aides to the prime minister report “The prime minister does not have a plan to replace his defense minister.”

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)