Middle East:The government of Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert has come under renewed threat when Labour Party politicians threatened yesterday to withdraw from the coalition following a scathing Lebanon war inquiry.
More than 100,000 Israelis took to the streets on Thursday night demanding that Mr Olmert step down after a government-appointed commission blamed him for serious failings during last year's 34-day war.
Labour is the largest partner in the coalition government and its withdrawal could force new elections. Israel's next general election is not due until 2010.
Labour's leader, defence minister Amir Peretz, is considering stepping down after criticism in the report. Increasingly unpopular in his own party, he could be forced out when Labour holds internal elections on May 28th.
Haaretz newspaper quoted Mr Olmert's aides as saying they were concerned that Labour members would push to end their coalition partnership with his centrist Kadima party.
Mr Olmert has repeatedly said he has no intention of resigning, but his approval ratings have plummeted to single figures and his deputy, foreign minister Tzipi Livni, this week joined calls for his removal.
Labour party member Ofir Pines said that Mr Olmert must go, even if it meant early elections.
"We will make an effort to build a new coalition and a new government. If we won't be able to do so, we will have to have early elections," Mr Pines said.
- (Reuters)