Perhaps in an effort to assuage the fears of those who anticipate a renewal of negotiations with the PLO, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says he will not uproot any Jewish communities in the context of a future diplomatic deal with the Arabs. In an exclusive interview with Ha\'aretz newspaper, Sharon said: \"I do not see any reason to evacuate any settlements. As long as there is no peace, we will remain there. If after some time - God willing, there is peace, there will certainly be no reason\" to prevent Yesha residents from staying in their communities. He added that he has no right as Prime Minister to make any compromises in Jerusalem, either. Regarding Syria, Sharon asserted, \"We cannot come down from the Golan Heights,\" explaining that a withdrawal from the Golan or the Jordan Valley would create an existential threat for the State of Israel. In Sharon\'s words, the Yesha communities \"guard both the birthplace of the Jewish people and also grant us essential strategic depth to protect our existence.\"