February 25, 2003	Tuesday	Zul Hijjah 23, 1423

TEL AVIV, Feb 24: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Likud made a surprise break with its traditional ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies on Monday by allying itself with the secular Shinui party, giving the hardliner a right-wing majority of just one MP.

The main ultra-Orthodox party Shas voiced outrage at Sharon’s sudden abandonment, but while losing its clerical slant the new government remains firmly on the right. Sharon jettisoned his traditional Shas allies, who have 11 deputies, in favour of the upstart Shinui, which leapt in last month’s elections from six to 15 seats on a pledge to sweep the ultra-Orthodox factions from government.

On Sunday he signed a deal with the National Religious Party (NRP), which represents Jewish settlers in the occupied Palestinian territories and holds six seats. “Sharon has betrayed us. He is forming a government from the trash cans,” said Shas spiritual leader rabbi Ovadia Yosef, quoted by his close associates.—AFP