A marathon debate begins on Monday in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, ahead of the parliamentary vote on the government’s disengagement plan from the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who instigated the plan, is to begin the debate after which every member of Knesset (MK) can voice their opinion on the plan.
The debate will continue until midnight and will resume on Tuesday, continuing until the evening when MKs will vote on the plan.
Security around the Knesset has been beefed up ahead of the crucial vote after Jewish settlers opposing the disengagement plan threatened to besiege the Knesset.
Besides stringent security measures in the area, the Israeli police are also preparing to contend with incitement at demonstrations and forces will be deployed in the cities and at protest sites to maintain order.
Right-wing activists are meanwhile trying to persuade MKs not to support the disengagement plan, explaining that evacuating Jewish settlements encourages terror activity.
In Tuesday’s vote, between 65 and 68 of the 120 MKs are expected to vote in favor of the disengagement plan, giving Sharon a clear majority, according to the Israeli daily Haaretz.
According to the paper, Sharon’s associates assume that the National Religious Party is likely to leave the government following Tuesday’s vote, leaving Sharon with a coalition of only 55 MKs. Sharon will then either strive for a unity government with the Labor and Shinui parties, or if that fails, call new elections, the associates said.