What does Justice Minister Tommy Lapid, the leader of the Shinui Party, think about the unilateral evacuation plan? Only 16 months ago, he was quite against it. The Hebrew Shinui party website features an article Lapid wrote just prior to last year's elections, in which he states that his goal is to serve as a balance between Ariel Sharon's Likud and Amram Mitzna's Labor in a secular national-unity government. Lapid writes:
"... Does Sharon really think that he can cooperate with President Bush on the implementation of the Road Map without negotiating with moderate Palestinians who will work to stop terrorism and to achieve an agreement?
"... Does Mitzna really think that if the IDF withdraws in a unilateral manner to the Green Line, that the Palestinians will stop the terrorism? Or will they see this retreat-without-an-agreement as a proof that their murder has won out, and they will continue with their terrorism from a line that is even closer to our homes? And what will Mitzna do with the settlers who don't want to leave? Will he abandon them? Will he force them onto trucks? Cause a civil war? What is he talking about?! ..."
"... Does Sharon really think that he can cooperate with President Bush on the implementation of the Road Map without negotiating with moderate Palestinians who will work to stop terrorism and to achieve an agreement?
"... Does Mitzna really think that if the IDF withdraws in a unilateral manner to the Green Line, that the Palestinians will stop the terrorism? Or will they see this retreat-without-an-agreement as a proof that their murder has won out, and they will continue with their terrorism from a line that is even closer to our homes? And what will Mitzna do with the settlers who don't want to leave? Will he abandon them? Will he force them onto trucks? Cause a civil war? What is he talking about?! ..."