Sharon wants to avoid negotiations. Who wouldn't?

Sharon wants to avoid negotiations. Who wouldn't?

Aluf Benn writing in Ha'aretz theorises about Sharon.

[...]The arguments about Sharon not having a plan are nonsense. Sharon certainly does have a plan: to protect Eretz Yisrael, avoid returning any territories andmake sure the settlements stay where they are.

Everything else is tactics. [...]

Sharon was afraid that after Barak's proposals, Israel would find it difficult to hold onto the territories in negotiations, so he made every effort to avoid negotiations. Even when he promised "painful concessions in the birthplace of the Jewish people," he gradually toughened the opening conditions for those talks: a cessation of violence, multi-dimensional reforms, a different leadership, dismantling the terror infrastructure and now killing or exiling Arafat.

Together with his vague commitment to Bush's vision and the road map, Sharon formulated a moderate image without putting it to the test. There are still those who expect him to turn his back on his life's work, to turn into the Israeli "de Galle and Nixon" who will demolish the settlements "for his place in history." MORE

Posted by Ted Belman at September 18, 2003 04:38 AM


Comments

1. Mark Goodman said:

I do not care for Sharon's ultimate goal, but appreciate the slow methodical way he has shifted the momentum of this war in favour of Israel, and like a bulldozer (one of the various nicknames Mr. Sharon has picked up over the years) he is slowly and resolutely moving in one direction.

Not only does he have a plan, he is displaying strong leadership, which has been lacking in Israel since Rabin. I like Sharon because he has shown a complete understanding of the principles of leadership, and thus will succeed. He has brought back cabinet discipline and civility. His choices nay not be the wisest but he is resolute,

The cheers of "Arik, Melech Yisrael" are not heard, but a more sensible appreciation has emerged for the quality of leadership which relies less on bravado then on purpose.

Posted by: Mark Goodman on September 18, 2003 09:16 AM