Prime Minister Sharon has several objections to the American "Road Map" plan for Middle East peace, as reported yesterday. The plan calls for the establishment of a temporary Palestinian state by next year, even if the PA has not stopped terrorism and incitement by then. In addition, Sharon also resents international supervision by the Quartet - the U.S., Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations - serve as international supervisor over the process. Today, Sharon told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of another problem he has with the plan. "Israel will not agree to freeze natural growth in Yesha communities," the Prime Minister said.
Sharon has said in the past that he will not agree to carry out unilateral measures while the Palestinians are expected only to make declarations. The Prime Minister's appearance at the Knesset today was in fulfillment of his legal obligation to make a monthly presentation to the Foreign Affairs committee.
Regarding the Labor Party's demand for budget cuts to communities in Judea and Samaria, Sharon said that Yesha does not receive more funding than other places, and possibly less: "The residents of Yesha are standing in the front lines, and we must appreciate this."
MK Tzvi Hendel (National Union), echoing the fears of Kiryat Arba Atty. Elyakim HaEtzni and others, is not so sure that Sharon truly objects to the Road Map plan. Hendel told the Knesset today, "Sharon could end this war - but instead he is leading to internationalization of it! What, the United Nations and the Quartet will determine whether Israel is behaving nicely?! They are building an army for Arafat and re-building the PLO. The Prime Minister is allowing this... We have learned nothing! Where have we gotten to?!"
Sharon has said in the past that he will not agree to carry out unilateral measures while the Palestinians are expected only to make declarations. The Prime Minister's appearance at the Knesset today was in fulfillment of his legal obligation to make a monthly presentation to the Foreign Affairs committee.
Regarding the Labor Party's demand for budget cuts to communities in Judea and Samaria, Sharon said that Yesha does not receive more funding than other places, and possibly less: "The residents of Yesha are standing in the front lines, and we must appreciate this."
MK Tzvi Hendel (National Union), echoing the fears of Kiryat Arba Atty. Elyakim HaEtzni and others, is not so sure that Sharon truly objects to the Road Map plan. Hendel told the Knesset today, "Sharon could end this war - but instead he is leading to internationalization of it! What, the United Nations and the Quartet will determine whether Israel is behaving nicely?! They are building an army for Arafat and re-building the PLO. The Prime Minister is allowing this... We have learned nothing! Where have we gotten to?!"