One Jerusalem has learned that one of the Olmert Government's key coalition partners (the Yisrael Beiteniu Party with 11 seats) will be pulling out of Olmert's government today: A direct result of Olmert launching negotiations over "core" issues (which includes the division of Jerusalem) with the Palestinians to satisfy the Bush Administration.

During the past month, as One Jerusalem provided a platform in Israel for Israelis to voice their support for a united Jerusalem, pressure has been building on Right-wing members of Olmert's coalition to leave the government. Today, we are told that Avigdor Lieberman will lead his political party out of the government.

This should not surprise anyone, recent polls have shown that Olmert continues to have the support of fewer than 10% of the Israeli population.  President Bush's visit which led to direct talks with the Palestinians yesterday intensified the pressure on Lieberman and Shas to get out of this government which is intent on divided Jerusalem and throwing more Jews out of their homes.

With the Yisrael Beitenu leaving the pressure from the Israeli public on the 12 seat Shas Party to pull out will intensify. In short, Bush's negotiating partner in Israel appears to have a very short political life-span.