A moderate voter turnout in the Likud – but the victory of the opponents of
the unilateral evacuation/expulsion plan was sweeping. The Channel One
television prediction, based on exit polls and other information, indicates that the
Prime Minister’s plan was defeated by a staggering 62%-38% vote.

Another prediction states that the margin is 58-59% against, 41-42%. Channel
Two: 56%-44%.

The big winner in this election was Minister Uzi Landau, who was the most
outspoken leader of the anti-retreat camp. He said tonight: “These are still just
sample results, and even though the trend is clear, we still cannot be clear.
But one thing is clear: we have succeeded in persuading, and the Likud has
remained loyal to its principles. Despite all the obstacles, difficulties and
pressures, the Likud people in the field acted against the entire mechanism, and
we see that they are strong. I am proud to be part of these tens of thousands
of people who have principles, and who have ideals, and who act according to
the principles of clean politics.” He said that the Likud is not headed for a
split.

The big loser was Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert – who promoted the plan
even more strongly than Sharon himself. Both Olmert and Omri Sharon, the Prime
Minister’s son, were booed and even attacked by Likud activists during the
course of today.

MK Ehud Yatom of the Likud, an opponent of the plan, said that despite the
wide victory, “Prime Minister Sharon must continue to lead the government.”
Yatom’s party colleague MK Gila Gamliel said the same.

Minister Gideon Ezra, who supports the plan, “The question is what to do
tomorrow. This is not a simple question.” Ezra said that the residents of Gush
Katif were the driving force behind the plan’s defeat.

Justice Minister Tommy Lapid (Shinui) was critical of the results, saying
that the Likud is becoming an “extremist right-wing” party and is losing the
public, and that a a great gap is opening in the country.

Binyamin Ben-Eliezer of the Labor Party said he was surprised by the extent
of the margin of victory.

Commentator Chanan Crystal said that Sharon may take out his anger on
Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who did not actively support the plan.

Moshe Feiglin, who heads the ‘Jewish Leadership’ faction within the Likud
had announced that, “upon hearing of a victory, let everyone make their way as
close as possible to the Temple Mount – the heart of the Jewish nation – to
offer thanks to God for bringing us to such a day.” A crowd is reportedly
forming at the Western Wall plaza, in preparation for a massive ‘Prayer of
Thanksgiving.’

This entry was posted on Monday, May 3rd, 2004 and is filed under hotnews.