By Ryan Jones
Mar 22, 2006
Israel's unilateral surrender of the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria failed to produce even one of the benefits promised by Ariel Sharon and his successor Ehud Olmert, charged rising right-wing political star Avigdor Lieberman in an interview with Ha'aretz Monday.
Israelis were told prior to quitting those areas that the "disengagement" would improve Israel's security, strengthen "moderate" elements within the Palestinian Authority, and win Israel the diplomatic leverage necessary to maintain its hold on Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.
But, Lieberman pointed out, those assurances have all proven false.
"Since we fled Gush Katif, not a day has passed without Kassams and mortars falling not only on Sderot, but throughout the Western Negev; Hamas won the PA elections; and instead of saving West Bank settlements, we're talking about evacuating 90 percent of the territory."
Olmert's stated intention to turn over most of Israel's biblical heartland to the nation's Islamic foes should he emerge victorious in next week's election will only perpetuate and worsen the situation.
"It's clear that a flight from Judea and Samaria would perpetuate Hamas rule for the next century, and prove to the Palestinians that they can achieve diplomatic gains through pressure and terror... Unilateral concessions do not achieve security; they bolster terror."
Lieberman went a step further by warning that the unilateral surrender of land also empowers hostile Islamic elements within Israel proper that share with Hamas its desire to eradicate the Jewish state.
"Olmert's plan not only strengthens Hamas in the Palestinian Authority. It also proves to Sheikh Ra'ad Salah [head of Israel's Islamic Movement] and extremist elements among Israeli Arabs that not only pressure from outside, but also pressure from within will in the end guarantee them effective autonomy in the first stage, a state of all its citizens in the next, and ultimately, the end of the State of Israel."
Contrary to recent media reports, Lieberman said that if Olmert continues to march down this dangerous path, he will not join a Kadima-led government.
Lieberman's Israel Beiteinu Party is expected to win between 10-15 Knesset seats, giving him considerable influence over the make-up of Israel's next ruling coalition.