Journalist Yoav Yitzchak reported in the Globes financial newspaper this week that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met with Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at Sharon's Sycamore Farm and told him of possible US financial incentives for the government to approve and carry out the uprooting of Jews from Gaza.
According to the report, Prime Minister's Office director Dov Weisglass and leading US administration officials came to an agreement that the US would "positively consider" increasing economic aid and grants to Israel if the "disengagement" plan is carried through. The aid suggested, according to Yitzchak, includes billions of dollars in grants for developing the Negev and assistance for fighting terrorism. However, Yitzchak writes, the aid will not be explicitly mentioned until after the uprooting of Jews in Gush Katif is underway.
Yitzchak further writes that Sharon tried to persuade Netanyahu to support "disengagement" by saying that the US aid would allow Israel to accomplish one of its goals: the development of the Negev and the absorption there of thousands of people. For his part, Netanyahu "sees that as an engine for growth," reports Yitzchak.
In addition to apparent American support for the Prime Minister's position, British Prime Minister Tony Blair phoned Prime Minister Sharon yesterday in order to express his support for the "disengagement" plan and the steps that Israel is taking. UK Prime Minister Blair added that he intends to act within the international community to enlist support for the plan.
According to the report, Prime Minister's Office director Dov Weisglass and leading US administration officials came to an agreement that the US would "positively consider" increasing economic aid and grants to Israel if the "disengagement" plan is carried through. The aid suggested, according to Yitzchak, includes billions of dollars in grants for developing the Negev and assistance for fighting terrorism. However, Yitzchak writes, the aid will not be explicitly mentioned until after the uprooting of Jews in Gush Katif is underway.
Yitzchak further writes that Sharon tried to persuade Netanyahu to support "disengagement" by saying that the US aid would allow Israel to accomplish one of its goals: the development of the Negev and the absorption there of thousands of people. For his part, Netanyahu "sees that as an engine for growth," reports Yitzchak.
In addition to apparent American support for the Prime Minister's position, British Prime Minister Tony Blair phoned Prime Minister Sharon yesterday in order to express his support for the "disengagement" plan and the steps that Israel is taking. UK Prime Minister Blair added that he intends to act within the international community to enlist support for the plan.