http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11563992%255E1702,00.html<snip>
"ISRAELI Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lost a crucial budget vote in parliament today in a humiliating blow that could bring down his government, force early elections and imperil his Gaza withdrawal plan."
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"The belt-tightening $US60 billion ($78 billion) package was blocked by a vote of 69 to 43, according to a preliminary count. By law, if the budget does not pass by March 31, elections must be held - two years ahead of schedule.
To avert an indefinite delay to his plan for "disengaging" from conflict with Palestinians by quitting the occupied Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank next year, Mr Sharon will likely seek to replace Shinui with the main opposition party Labour.
Having centre-left Labour on board would solidify majorities for the budget and Mr Sharon's plan to remove Jewish settlements from some occupied land. But powerful Likud rebels bent on scuttling his Gaza plan balk at any such "unity coalition."