Ariel Sharon

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has resumed efforts to change the make-up of his ruling coalition, in the wake of a ringing 53-44 defeat in a largely symbolic Knesset vote Monday An angry Sharon left the Knesset Monday night red-faced and scowling, after it took the most unusual step of voting against the approval of his address. The vote is essentially symbolic and has no practical ramifications - it did not bring down his government or otherwise legally hobble the prime minister - but it is an indication of the uphill battle Sharon faces in getting the Knesset to approve his disengagement