Israel’s opposition Shinui Party pledged to vote for the national budget, guaranteeing its passage and the government’s survival. Shinui’s decision ensures that the government won’t fall before Israel’s planned July withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank. The decision was made during a long meeting Saturday night between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and two Shinui officials, including party head Yosef Lapid.
Israel delayed the handover of another West Bank city to Palestinian Authority control. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered the delay in Kalkilya, saying the Palestinian Authority hasn’t honored pledges to disarm terrorists in Jericho and Tulkarm, the two cities already handed over.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.