Answering questions from reporters afterwards, Sharon elaborated on Israel\'s accomplishments that give reason for confidence; said that Israel is checking into the reports that the PA had arrested the murderers of Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi, and that the mini-Cabinet would decide whether to demand their transfer to Israel; noted that the buffer zones would provide security for Israelis on both sides of the zones; and refused to relate to the threats from right-wing parties to quit the coalition.
Sharon\'s speech was criticized on both sides of the political spectrum. Opposition spokesmen said that Sharon had \"nothing to offer,\" while some on the right-wing bemoaned the fact that he did not declare the PA an enemy that must be dismantled. Hisdai Eliezer, mayor of a large Yesha community, Alfei Menashe, said, \"His words about the buffer zones did not comfort us, because he concealed more than he revealed, that which was revealed was unclear, and I don\'t think there\'s anyone on earth who understood what he was referring to.\"
Sharon\'s speech was criticized on both sides of the political spectrum. Opposition spokesmen said that Sharon had \"nothing to offer,\" while some on the right-wing bemoaned the fact that he did not declare the PA an enemy that must be dismantled. Hisdai Eliezer, mayor of a large Yesha community, Alfei Menashe, said, \"His words about the buffer zones did not comfort us, because he concealed more than he revealed, that which was revealed was unclear, and I don\'t think there\'s anyone on earth who understood what he was referring to.\"