Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to ask ministers to approve a phased Gaza-withdrawal plan when they vote on the issue on Sunday.
Sharon had to redraft his proposal after members of his Likud party rejected the idea in a referendum earlier this month.
Sharon promised he would revise the plan within three weeks – a commitment he had to make in order to keep his main coalition partner the Shinui party in the government.
Shinui is warning it will leave if there is no significant attempt to push forward the peace process.
It is still unclear whether Sharon will ask ministers to vote on the entire package, or just stage one of his phased program.
It is believed the initial step will be to remove three isolated Israeli villages from the Gaza Strip.
That would be followed by the evacuation of four in Samaria – the northern section of the West Bank.
After that, Israel would remove most of the remaining homes in Gaza and then a final three villages in the strip.
Sharon’s aides said he will only bring the plan to the government when he is assured of a majority, even if that means removing ministers from office.
If his proposal is approved on Sunday that could well signal the departure of two hawkish parties from the coalition.
The National Union and the National Religious Party both say they will quit once a decision is taken to force Israelis out of their homes.
As a result, it is believed Sharon’s confidantes are involved in detailed negotiations to bring the main opposition Labor Party into the government.