Brilliant idea, not a "monumental mistake"

Submitted by Boris (United States), Jan 6, 2006 at 16:21

I disagree with a popular opinion that Sharon made a "monumental mistake" by disengaging Gaza. Think this opinion is more emotional than rational. Who cares whether or not Palestinians double their terrorist efforts smelling new victories? Even more irrelevant whether or not Gaza is a land given to Jews by the Creator.

Realities are - 1) This land is now occupied by a majority of hostile Palestinians making it totally unhealthy for Jews to live in; 2) Palestinians always resisted and still resist to form any kind of official government or any body that would take full responsibility for their political life. Ironically, I believe, Palestinians always preferred to live under Israeli occupation, because this option has been always better than any other form of rule with the exception of full control of the Palestine. For this reason it is in Israel's best interest to proactively achieve two goals: 1) based on demographical reality provide the best possible security for Israelis and 2) engage Palestinians in creating their own government body, whether they like it or not. It does not really matter, whether it will be a body controlled by Hamas or some more moderate groups, it has to be somebody. Regardless of who takes power among Palestinians, Israel will automatically create either a clear friend (which is unlikely) or even more clear enemy (which is more likely). In either case Israel gains a strategic preference. In the first case Israel has a better chance to absorb the West Bank completely (based on its demographic reality). In case of Palestinian government as an enemy - Israel has a better chance of convincing the world that West Bank should remain an Israeli land. It does not even matter much whether or not arabs from Jerusalem would participate in the elections. At this point the only thing needed is a Palestinian official government that would clearly formulate their goals.

If Palestinians continue to avoid this challenge, the best strategy for Israel will be just to wait, as long as it is needed, because demographically they can now afford to do so.

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