Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appears to have formed a new ruling coalition in the Israeli Knesset as the United Torah Judaism Party (UTJ) joined Likud and Labor in forming a unity government. The agreement with UTJ would give Sharon a coalition of 66 seats in the 120 seat Israeli Knesset.

More importantly, perhaps, it will give Sharon the ability to get his Gaza withdrawal plan through parliament. Right wing parties who opposed the Gaza withdrawal plan were removed from the governing coalition late last year.

Sharon told supporters 'I believe that as early as next week we will present in the Knesset a new government that will lead the state of Israel. The people chose us to lead it to peace and security, calm and prosperity. Likud will accomplish this mission.'

UTJ leaders said they will re-evaluate their decision to join the governing coalition in three months and that none of their leaders would take a cabinet position before that time. Sharon has a majority without the support of UTJ but has a much greater safety net with their support. As with most of Israel's religious parties, government funding for religious schools will be a key issue for the leadership of UTJ.