The Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, is facing growing pressure to call a referendum on his plan to withdraw Israeli troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip.
Mr Sharon is struggling to keep his ruling coalition together amid opposition to the plan from settlers and the far right.
A senior cabinet minister from his Likud party, Limor Livnat, has now joined calls for a referendum.
Mr Livnat said a national vote could prevent possible violence over the issue.
