Withdrawal and Enemy Opinion

In August 2005, withdrawal was an issue in Israel. Prime Minister Sharon implemented his "disengagement plan:" the removal of all permanent Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip and from four settlements in the northern West Bank. A few Israeli's called Sharon a traitor. A former prime minister, Netanyahu, joined others in opposing the withdrawal, predicting that " the disengagement will eventually aggravate terrorism instead of reducing it." Following the withdrawal, boastful militants in Gaza declared a military victory. This was to be expected. But Sharon was not interested in allowing the rhetoric or confusion of those hostile to Israel dictate what Israel should do.