TEL AVIV, Israel, June 5 (UPI) -- Israel's Absorption Minister Tzipi Livni is seeking a new compromise on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's withdrawal plan from the Gaza Strip.
The effort, on the eve of Sunday's cabinet vote, follows Thursday's failure to strike a deal.
The compromise would ensure a greater majority for Sharoin's plan and should prevent the hawkish National Religious Party from walking out.
Friday, Sharon fired the two National Union ministers who staunchly opposed the plan, in order to have a majority in Sunday's vote.
According to the Haaretz newspaper, the proposed compromise would provide that state funds continue to go to settlements slated for eviction, but those would be funds to meet their needs, not for development.
Channel 2 TV said Justice Minister Tommy Lapid asked Sharon set a date for starting the eviction of all the Gaza Strip settlements and four settlements in the northern West Bank. Sharon wants to complete the eviction by the end of next year.
Livni told Israel Radio, ""I still think there is a chance to reach a compromise deal by Sunday's cabinet vote."
