Labor supporters believe the current Government's reluctance to even talk to the Palestinians, much less implement the land-for-peace formula that was a basis of the accord, was bound to lead to a cataclysm.

It has now been nearly 40 years since the adoption of Resolution 242 with its famous land-for-peace formula.

In the past, the land-for-peace formula has raised hackles on both sides.

Both sides are to blame for failing to put this land-for-peace formula into practice.

All have indicated that they are prepared to negotiate on the land-for-peace formula.

The Cabinet vote today and Mr. Sharon's decision underline the conservative new Government's desire to shun the land-for-peace formula that was the framework for previous Arab-Israeli negotiations.

But Mr. Netanyahu, leader of the Likud coalition, won last year with a campaign attacking the land-for-peace formula that was at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian peace accord.

Of course, these arrangements would be meaningless if the two sides fail to find a land-for-peace formula.

His land-for-peace formulas are anathema to Jews with absolutist views on Israel's right to disputed lands in the West Bank, Gaza and, of course, Jerusalem.

During this interim period, the parties would negotiate a final settlement based on the land-for-peace formula.