Ramon: Knesset supports convergence

States that even Shas, UTJ will see there's no partner and Israel must withdraw.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
ramon press conf 298 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
ramon press conf 298
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Justice Minister Haim Ramon said on Saturday that there existed a clear majority in the Knesset for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's convergence plan. He added that there were at least 70 Knesset members supporting the plan, Army Radio reported. According to Ramon, "even Shas and United Torah Judaism will eventually realize that there is no alternative [to the plan], since there is no partner on the Palestinian side." Earlier in the week, Ramon said that the Palestinians will be given until the end of the year to negotiate, after which time Israel will begin the process of withdrawing unilaterally. He assessed that by 2008, Israel will have its final borders clearly defined. Following his statements, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni stated that the convergence was not likely to begin in the beginning of 2007, as the move requires a lot of preparation including logistical planning and international coordination. On Thursday, the head of Sela Disengagement Authority met with the director-general of the Prime Minister's Office to evaluate the disengagement from the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria last August, and to assess the successes and failures of the evacuation.