Lieberman Threatens To Leave Coalition

Lieberman, party chair of Yisrael Beiteinu, has threatened to leave a government coalition with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s centrist Kadima. The threat, if acted on, would have the potential to change the structure of the current Knesset, possibly to the extent of forcing a new prime minister.

The threat is due to Olmert’s apparent willingness to divide Jerusalem and give away Jewish land to the Palestinians in peace negotiations spurred by President Bush’s recent visit.

This change could hurt Israel’s current prospects for peace, but may force a needed change in the government, which is not supported by many parts of Israel’s citizens.

For more information, see this article from Reuters.