Ariel Sharon's Likud party voted tonight in favour of the Israeli Prime Minister's bid to bring the opposition Labour party into government.
Officials said a first count showed Mr Sharon had won by 63% to 37% in a ballot that could avert a snap election and pave the way for a broad coalition that would allow him to push through his Gaza withdrawal plan.
Three injured in Gaza missile strike
At least three Palestinians have been wounded after an Israeli missile struck a car in the southern Gaza Strip.
Witnesses said the three belonged to the Popular Resistance Committees, a militant umbrella group that has carried out attacks against Israeli troops and Jewish settlers.
The witnesses said a single missile destroyed the car as the men stood nearby.
Militants are often targeted by Israeli air strikes.
