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Last update - 06:17 17/01/2008 Ben-Eliezer: Yisrael Beiteinu exit lets us advance peace process By Yair Ettinger and Mazal Mualem, Haaretz Correspondents Tags: Avigdor Lieberman, Labor  "The Labor Party is not in anyone's pocket and certainly not Olmert's. We will consider our position after we read the final Winograd report, and no one should be surprised if Labor calls to replace Olmert from within Kadima," said Minister of National Infrastructures Benjamin Ben-Eliezer Wednesday. According to Ben-Eliezer, Yisrael Beiteinu's decision to leave the government actually helps Labor to be a partner in reaching a peace agreement, and the party must not miss the opportunity. "It would be a mistake to leave the government now, after [Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor] Lieberman has left and removed the obstacle to advancing the peace process," he said. Advertisement If the party decides to call for Olmert's resignation and he does not do so, then Labor will act according to party chairman Ehud Barak's promise to set an agreed-upon date for an early election, toward the end of 2008 or the beginning of 2009. Other senior Labor officials said Barak could not ignore the Winograd report, and would look to find a replacement within Kadima for Olmert in the first stage. The second stage would be to call for an early election, within a year. But Barak's advisors are continuing to repeat that only after the report is published will he decide on the matter, based on national and security concerns. Also reacting to the departure of Yisrael Beitenu, Meretz MK Ran Cohen said, "Thank God, we have rid ourselves of the biggest racist on the political spectrum. The government must take this opportunity to advance the peace process and remove illegal outposts." Olmert profited from his granting the Religious Affairs Ministry to Shas earlier this week. Now he has 12 coalition MKs who are satisfied and quiet, while the right-leaning faction, and its spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, is at odds with the Likud. The Likud voted against reestablishment of the ministry, and Yosef will not soon forget it. Related articles: Lieberman blasts Arab MKs, pulls party out of government Ex-Minister Lieberman's daughter to be probed over suspected fraud Poll: Labor voters want Barak to remain in gov't after Winograd Bookmark to del.icio.us   And the winner is Haaretz's Gideon Levy wins prize for cultural dialogue. The Amona syndrome Gov't fears it will pay the public price of removing outposts.   1.   Ben-Eliezer: advance peace process 07:08  |  Shlomo 17/01/08   2.   Nothing will save Olmert`s behind, nor Ben-Eliezer`s 07:22  |  Taszilo 17/01/08   3.   Ben-Eliezer - Read Israel Harel`s Column in Today`s Haaretz 07:38  |  Tod Zuckerman 17/01/08   4.   Ben Eliezer is an idiot , a common criminally insane 07:47  |  Sal 17/01/08   5.   OSLO II is not advancement but further destruction!!!! 07:58  |  Ben Uziel 17/01/08   6.   LABOR AND KADIMA ARE TRAITORS/CORRUPT CRIMINALS! 08:47  |  WARRIOR 17/01/08   7.   TO SAL 13:02  |  dovale 17/01/08   8.   WHO might be the next Hopeful to quit 13:04  |  Dagma 17/01/08

Today Online 15 Qassams strike Negev on third day of Gaza barrage Responses: 110 Israel Harel: No point in talks if Arabs won't accept Jewish Israel Responses: 20 Na'ama Sheffi: New talkback law does not hinder public dialogue Responses: 10 Amy Winehouse mulls album of 'cool' Hanukkah hits Responses: 28 Rosner's Domain Jewish leaders: "falsehood and innuendo used in mischaracterization of Obama" (WTR) Rosner's Mailbox: And what if Obama's a Muslim? With focus on Obama-Clinton race, veep chatter begins Olmert to American Jews: I want your voice on Jerusalem The case for bombing Iran (WTR) More Headlines 11:50 15 Qassams strike Negev on third day of Gaza barrage 12:53 FM: World must turn talk on Iran into action before game shifts 11:33 Five students from Jewish high school attacked by group in Berlin 12:40 IDF psychiatrist sentenced to 5 years for trying to spy for Iran 09:58 Archaeologist hid 'Jesus tomb' for fear of anti-Semitism, widow says 09:26 Study: Most Sderot kids exhibit post-traumatic stress symptoms 10:20 Homeless man found frozen to death in Rishon Letzion 12:30 Tamir expresses hope for imminent end to university strike 06:17 Ben-Eliezer: Yisrael Beiteinu exit lets us advance peace process 12:47 SPNI on Arava hothouse plans: Farming will endanger rare animals Previous Editions Select Day 16 jan 15 jan 14 jan 13 jan 11 jan 10 jan 09 jan 08 jan 07 jan 06 jan 04 jan 03 jan

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