The Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, faces further political turmoil despite his victory in a procedural vote last night over challenger Binyamin Netanyahu.
Likud's Central Committee narrowly rejected a motion from Mr Netanyahu to bring forward the date of the next party leadership election by six months in protest at the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The prime minister will have to face a leadership vote next April in any case.
Before that, a new crisis is likely with the Knesset having to approve next year's budget in three readings by the end of December.
The Labour party only entered government to support the Gaza pullout. With that achieved, the party must now decide whether to take its chances against a divided Likud at early elections rather than wait until November 2006.
Mr Sharon cannot rely on the support of a majority of Likud's 40 MPs, who feel betrayed by the decision to leave Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli military aircraft attacked targets in the Gaza Strip early today in response to the recent firing of rockets into Israel by Palestinian militants.
The strikes destroyed two bridges and two buildings which Israel has claimed was used by militants. There were no fatalities or injuries in the strikes.
Israeli troops also arrested 82 suspected militants in the West Bank.
