Sharon wins budget pledge on Gaza pullout

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon cleared a major hurdle to a planned Gaza pullout, winning the support of a key Opposition party for the state budget and avoiding an election that could have delayed the withdrawal.

In another boost, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made clear on Sunday that Washington was sticking to its support for Israel’s intention to retain large West Bank settlement blocs in a final peace deal with the Palestinians. Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Shaath voiced dismay at Rice’s remarks.

Ending weeks of political uncertainty, Sharon wrapped up a deal on Saturday with Yosef Lapid, head of the Opposition Shinui party, to support the budget. Defeat in a parliamentary vote later this week would have triggered a new election by law.