Military

DATE=10/31/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-268659

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon is vowing to oust Prime Minister Ehud Barak from office, apparently ending prospects of a national emergency government being formed to deal with raging violence between Israel and the Palestinians. VOA Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: The leader of the Likud opposition party, Ariel Sharon, says he will make every effort to replace Prime Minister Barak.

The remarks appear to mean that Mr. Barak has failed in his efforts to form a national emergency government to face more than a month of violence between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters.

Mr. Sharon predicted the prime minister's government will fall within the next few months.

Coalition negotiations apparently stumbled over a demand by Mr. Sharon to have veto power over peace talks with the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Israeli combat helicopters, in what was described as a warning, fired rockets on Palestinian targets in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh says the attacks were a signal Israel can not tolerate a Palestinian guerrilla war.

A Palestinian spokesman says the assault will only increase the people's determination to continue the conflict. (Signed)

NEB/MB/KL