Speaking before the Knesset plenum yesterday at the start of a discussion on the Versailles wedding hall collapse, Sharon admitted being under attack for his cease-fire decision. "However, I declare that after viewing the entire picture and recognizing the responsibility resting on my shoulders, I felt compelled to do so," Sharon explained, announcing his acceptance of the Mitchell Commission report.

"This is not only a security battle," Sharon continued. "We

"Every day we bury our dead in order for the world to give us a medal" - Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Shlomo Benizri

are forced to confront and win a difficult and complex political and diplomatic campaign. These facts affect my decisions and I will act accordingly. It takes patience. We must succeed in this diplomatic campaign and I believe that we are conducting it appropriately," Sharon said.

Sharon's speech was interrupted by MK Yigal Bibi (National Religious Party), who interjected, "How much blood will have to be spilled?" Sharon replied that Israelis shouldn't ask all the time, 'Until when?' "Sometimes it is necessary to stand and endure," Sharon said, adding, "Anyone who repeatedly asks 'Until when?' is bound to be defeated."

Meeting with members of the security-diplomatic cabinet, the Prime Minister explained that he was keeping the unilateral cease-fire intact to allow the Bush administration a chance to pursue its mediation attempts to implement the Mitchell report recommendations.

Sharon also suggested that some time should be given to the renewed security coordination talks with the Palestinians to produce results. The second session of security talks took place in the Gaza Strip last night.

Ministers threaten to leave government
The National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu party threatened to leave the government as it called on the Prime Minister to end the unilateral cease-fire. The party said that in light of the recent attacks, there should be an end to the policy of restraint.

Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze'evi, one of two representatives of the National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu in the government, called on Israel to reject the Mitchell Commission report, which calls for a freeze in settlement construction. The party was due to meet today to discuss Ze'evi's suggestion to leave the coalition.

According to Maariv, at least four other ministers also called for an end to the unilateral cease-fire: Limor Livnat (Likud), Shlomo Benizri and Asher Ohana (Shas) and Avigdor Lieberman (National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu).

Limor said that the government should admit that the policy of restraint had failed, and had only led to an escalation of terrorism. Benizri added, "Every day we bury our dead in order for the world to give us a medal."

National Infrastructures Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israel Radio yesterday that Israel must "militarily topple" the Palestinian Authority in an intense 48-hour blitz to "wipe out the entire Palestinian Authority military infrastructure."

Even so, the cabinet approved the indefinite continuation of the unilateral cease-fire. Unnamed officials cited in the media suggested that Israel would adhere to the cease-fire until Prime Minister Sharon returns from a visit to European capitals next week.

Representing the government at yesterday's funeral of Esther Alvan (20), one of the victims in Tuesday's shooting attack, Communications Minister Reuven Rivlin (Likud) defended the policy of restraint, saying that Israelis "have to be patient and determined."

Rivlin's words came after the eulogy of Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, spiritual leader of the community of Efrat, who demanded justice. "In the history of the world, there's never been a people so willing to give up so much for peace. We must not surrender to evil and murder. We must not surrender to terror," Riskin said.

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