Israel's Labor to back motion for dissolving Knesset

Israeli Labor Party decided Monday to vote this Wednesday in favor of the motions calling for the Knesset's dissolution, which was called by the party chairman Ehud Barak. The decision was supported by all of Labor Knesset members (MKs) present at the party's meeting, the website of local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported. Barak made the call Sunday despite Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's threat to dismiss Labor ministers who vote in favor. Barak last month demanded that Olmert step aside in light of a corruption investigation against him. He gave Olmert until June 25to step aside, or face the dissolution of the Knesset. According to senior Shas officials, the religious party will also vote in favor of a Knesset dissolution bill if their demand to increase Child Welfare Payments will not be... [read full story]