The ultra-orthodox Shas Party has also threatened to pull its 12 seats out of the government, if Mr.Olmert moves to give up any part of East Jerusalem in negotiations with the Palestinians.

• 正宗犹太人教派的政党沙斯党也威胁说，如果奥尔默特在和巴勒斯坦人的谈判中放弃东耶路撒冷的任何区域，他们就从政府撤出他们在议会中所占的12个席位。