Three out of four Likud ministers in Israel's government have resigned from the cabinet today despite some reports they would seek to defy the order.
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom did not resign, but he is expected to do so at the weekend.
Mr Netanyahu ordered the ministers to tender their resignations from the government this morning, shortly before voting begins to determine the list of Likud candidates to run in March 28th national elections.
Foreign minister Silvan Shalom, education minister Limor Livnat, agriculture minister Yisrael Katz and health minister Danny Naveh were considering defying Mr Netanyahu, media reports said.
The resignations will have no effect on the viability of Israel's caretaker government, headed by interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, but added to a sense of politics as usual before the March 28th general election.
Mr Ariel Sharon (77) remains in critical condition despite displaying basic physical reflexes as his anaesthetic was gradually reduced.
Medical sources said doctors could end Mr Sharon's sedation later today as part of their effort to rouse him from an induced coma and assess the extent of the damage to his brain.
US and Israeli officials said Mr Olmert could be invited to the White House as early as next month for talks.