ABSTRACT
Sharon emerged from the elections in 2003 stronger and more popular than ever. The early heirs, who supported Sharon after years spent alongside the veterans fighting him, faced a barrage of criticism from their parents’ camp. Sharon offered Benjamin Netanyahu the Finance portfolio and surprised his stubborn opponent Uzi Landau with an offer to serve as a minister without portfolio. Sharon's confidants were enlisted to convey to Netanyahu that the offer arose out of genuine concern that economic collapse was imminent. They emphasized that Sharon was committed to supporting the Minister of Finance and that Netanyahu would be regarded as the “financial Prime Minister”. Sharon was determined to convert the Likud: to change the historical worldview of this right-wing movement that was committed to the integrity of the Land of Israel.
