Sharon Says Israel Is at Risk of Civil War

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) warned on Sunday of growing incitement in Israel, saying the heightened rhetoric against his Gaza withdrawal plan could lead to civil war.

Sharon issued the warning at the beginning of the weekly meeting of his Cabinet.

Sharon faces significant hardline opposition to his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip (news - web sites) and four West Bank settlements next year, including from opponents within his own government.