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Leaving Gaza

(Prime Minister's Office) Prime Minister Ariel Sharon - Prime Minister Sharon addressed the Herzliya Conference on National Security on Thursday: In 2005, we have the opportunity for an historic breakthrough in the relations between us and the Palestinians, a breakthrough for which we have waited many years. Israel's most important initiative is the Disengagement Plan - leaving Gaza. Disengagement recognizes the demographic reality on the ground specifically, bravely and honestly. Disengagement from Gaza is distinguishing between goals which deserve to be fought for, since they are truly in our souls - such as Jerusalem, the large settlement blocs, the security zones, and maintaining Israel's character as a Jewish state - rather than goals where it is clear to all of us that they will not be realized, and that most of the public is not ready, justifiably, to sacrifice so much for. Because of the initiative of disengagement, the Palestinians have no excuse not to abandon terror. Because of it, there is no criticism of Israel's determined actions against terror. Israel's international standing has improved immeasurably. The most important accomplishment is the understandings between U.S. President George Bush and me, which protect Israel's most essential interests: first and foremost, not demanding a return to the '67 borders; allowing Israel to permanently keep large settlement blocs which have high Israeli populations; and the total refusal of allowing Palestinian refugees to return to Israel. In addition, we agreed, in accordance with the Roadmap - any steps towards realizing the political outlook offered to the Palestinians first obligates them to take genuine action against terror until it is eliminated and stopped, advance real reforms, and stop teaching hatred towards Israel. The United States also recognized Israel's right to act in any way to defend itself against any enemy and against any threat, and promised to prevent any attempt to impose on Israel any other agreement or agenda which is not the Roadmap. We have open channels of communication with Egypt and we look forward to cooperation and effective security coordination. Stopping the arming of Palestinians in Gaza, together with genuine and extensive Egyptian actions to prevent weapons smuggling, will allow Israel to leave the Philadelphi Route as well, and will reduce Palestinian dependence on Israel. Arafat constituted the primary obstacle to peace. Now there is a real chance that new Palestinian leaders will arise who will truly abandon the path of terror, and instead will advance a strategy of reconciliation and negotiation without violence, terror, and hatred. In light of the potential of a new Palestinian leadership, Israel will be prepared to coordinate various elements relating to our Disengagement Plan with the future Palestinian government - a government which is able to take responsibility for the areas which we leave.
2004-12-17 00:00:00
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