The Israeli Labour Party has warned that it will bring down the government this week if Ariel Sharon refuses to meet its newly elected leader, Amir Peretz.
Mr Peretz wants to discuss a date for an early election, but the prime minister has delayed a meeting initially scheduled for today until Thursday.
Speaking on Israeli television, Mr Peretz said his party intended to leave the governing coalition, no matter what.
As a trade union leader, Mr Peretz has promised to return the Labour Party to its social roots and end its role in the unity government, established last year to ensure Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza strip.
