He also stressed that the army must create a “situation” that will force Palestinians to leave their homes, thereby marking the first signs of the policy of transfer long-supported by many Jewish leaders seeking to oust Palestinians from their homeland.
Analysts say Sharon’s new policy is bound to be criticized by its chief ally, Washington, which demands that Israel freeze settlement activity, which has been proliferating, in recent years.
Polls also show that the vast majority of Israelis do not support settlement expansion and want most settlements dismantled, saying they are a key barrier to peace with the Palestinians and are a continuous source of violence.
Linking the settlements would require the demolition of hundreds of Palestinian homes and would further cause tension to the city home to about 130,000 Palestinians and only 400 Jews living illegally on Palestinian land in settlement enclaves, heavily guarded by Israeli soldiers.
Dror Etkes, who monitors settlement expansion for the Israeli group, which opposes Jewish settlements, “Peace Now” called Sharon’s proposal “outrageous,” pointing out that thousands of Palestinians live in the area Sharon wants to expropriate.
Analysts say Sharon’s new policy is bound to be criticized by its chief ally, Washington, which demands that Israel freeze settlement activity, which has been proliferating, in recent years.
Polls also show that the vast majority of Israelis do not support settlement expansion and want most settlements dismantled, saying they are a key barrier to peace with the Palestinians and are a continuous source of violence.
Linking the settlements would require the demolition of hundreds of Palestinian homes and would further cause tension to the city home to about 130,000 Palestinians and only 400 Jews living illegally on Palestinian land in settlement enclaves, heavily guarded by Israeli soldiers.
Dror Etkes, who monitors settlement expansion for the Israeli group, which opposes Jewish settlements, “Peace Now” called Sharon’s proposal “outrageous,” pointing out that thousands of Palestinians live in the area Sharon wants to expropriate.