In defence of Sharon
Reader comment on item: The Forcible Removal of Israelis from Gaza

Submitted by Fred Nahasapetalan (Canada), Apr 11, 2005 at 23:08

i realize how ridiculous it is on the face of it to expel all jews from gaza. After all, even if you believe Gaza is "occupied palestinian land" why can't jews live there? Muslims can live in any country in the world (except the racist extremist Christian-Vatican state). Muslims live as full citizens in Israel proper. Why can't there be a jewish minority in Gaza? I am sure, if offered the choice of giving up their homes, or living under PA government, the gaza settlers would choose the latter. Furthermore, the same people who say israel must withdraw from gaza in order for there to be peace, do not advocate the transfer of all muslims out of israel in order for there to be peace (clearly hypocritical).

Nevertheless, i reluctantly support Sharon and the withdrawal from gaza.

i support it not because of all the problems i have with it but because of the benefits sharon and israel have received for it.

Mr. Pipes, you have pointed out every problem with the plan, yet you have neglected to mention all the benefits.

Ariel Sharon is no idiot. He didn't just become senile one day and decide to give up his country to a bunch of terrorist for nothing as you would have people believe. it was a calculated political move that is great for the future of israel. he essentially became the first prime-minister in history to get american support for settlements in the west bank. this was no small feat and should not be underemphasized.

he isn't so much unilaterally withdrawing from gaza as he is trading it for the west bank.

that is why he is so emphatic in getting it done. he realizes that this is the deal of the century.

the west bank is much more important to jews/israelis than gaza.

That is the main reason i support the expulsion of jews from gaza. here are some side benefits:

gaza is a great financial burden to the state. how many soldiers to defend each settler? nobody wants to serve in the army there because it is so dangerous. many israeli lives will be saved by this in the same way that hundreds of lives have been spared thanks to the withdrawal from lebanon.

it improves israel's image on the world stage-and after years of negative publicity it couldn't come at a better time.

as you know it is impossible to rule over millions of palestinians in gaza indefinitely even if you think it is israeli territory-either give them citizenship in israel or get out. you can't have it both ways. i say get out.

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