The Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Ariel Sharon, has signalled he is willing to hold an Israeli referendum on his "disengagement" plan with the Palestinians, which includes evacuating some Jewish settlements.
Mr Sharon's newly detailed initiative for removing almost all settlements in the Gaza Strip has sparked outrage among settlers and their supporters, throwing his right-wing coalition into turmoil. But opinion polls show most Israelis in favour of leaving Gaza.
Several members of Mr Sharon's Likud party have suggested a referendum to allow Israeli voters to consider the plan, the
Yedioth Ahronothnewspaper's website said.
"A referendum is a good thing," Mr Sharon was quoted as telling reporters at parliament when asked about