"Let the Revolution begin!"

This, perhaps more than anything that the US has done in the Middle East, might be the first signs of change.

Earlier, Leftist Labour's central committee, encouraged by fiery new leader Amir Peretz, voted overwhelmingly to leave the government it had joined to help Sharon counter rightist Likud rebels who opposed his withdrawal from the occupied Gaza Strip.

"Let the revolution begin," said party official Eitan Cabel as he announced the result of the vote in a show of hands.

Sunday's events were the expected first step in a week that will reshape Israeli politics, thrown into turmoil since union leader Peretz defeated veteran peacemaker Shimon Peres in a surprise leadership vote.

I will wait on the reaction from the Palestinians, and the rest of the Arab world with interest.

I shall also wait on the results of the coming elections - is there the desire for peace in the Israeli electorate? I most certainly hope so.