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Minister Resigns to Protest Barak's Acceptance of US Plan
Israeli Health Minister Roni Milo Sunday submitted his resignation at a weekly cabinet meeting held to discuss the recent development in negotiations with Palestinians, Israel Radio reported.
Milo, a leading member of Barak's ruling partner Center Party, told the radio Sunday morning that he could not continue serving in a government which decided to negotiate on the sovereignty over the Temple Mount, a disputed shrine in the Old City of Jerusalem which was known to the Palestinians as al-Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary.
"Ever since the Camp David talks, I have said that I cannot accept a concession on the Temple Mount and our sovereignty there," said Milo, a former member of the hawkish Likud party.
Under proposals presented by outgoing US President Bill Clinton on December 23, Israel would turn over sovereignty over al- Haram al-Sharif, except the Wailing Wall, to the Palestinians in exchange for the waiver of right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Barak reportedly accepted the proposals "with some reservations."
Milo's resignation will officially take effect in 48 hours and he said that he was still undecided on his political future, stressing, however, that he will keep supporting the peace process.
The resignation, although widely expected as Milo announced his decision several days ago, may deal a blow to Barak's peace efforts and election campaign.
Milo defected from the right-wing Likud party during the 1996 general elections due to his personal disputes with then Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu. He usually adopts a center-right position regarding the peace process.
Likud leader and prime ministerial candidate Ariel Sharon has been trying to win Milo and Dan Meridor, another Center Party member also bolted from the Likud in 1996, back to the right-wing faction.
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