Yesha Council Chairman Bentzy Lieberman explained this morning the "secret" of the success in yesterday's vote. He dismissed the false reports about the campaign's paid workers, and noted the thousands of volunteers from all over Israel - especially Gush Katif, Beit El and elsewhere in Yesha - who worked hours upon hours for the past two weeks. Lieberman rather attributed the victory to something else:
"The residents simply knocked on people's doors all over the country, and presented them with the plain truth: 30 years ago the government sent them to the Gaza coast to settle the historic land of Israel. In the face of constant attacks, harassment, and theft perpetrated by the Arabs, they have remained steadfast to the Land, continuing to develop and beautify it. This is our land, and the Bible is our deed. The Likud voters were awed by this simple truth, and understood that here was the real way to defeat terrorism - through Jewish settlement and unbending determination."
Prime Minister Sharon issued a statement around midnight last night, saying,
"I received with sorrow the results of the referendum, and I respect the results. I know that many in the Israeli public support the plan, and I know that they feel, like I do, disappointment at the results. We will have to make difficult decisions. In the coming days, I will hold consultations with the government ministers, the Likud faction and the coalition factions. I will meticulously assess the ramifications and the steps that we intend to take. One thing is clear to me: The people of Israel did not elect me to sit for four years with my hands folded. I was elected to find the way to bring this nation the quiet, security and peace of which it is so worthy. I intend to continue and lead the State of Israel according to the best of my understanding, conscience and public obligation."
The Prime Minister made his first public appearance since yesterday at this afternoon's Likud Knesset faction meeting, and basically repeated the above words. Speculation is rife that though he emphasized his intention not to resigning, he may be forced to do just that in the near future if he does not manage to refurbish his political strength. Alternatively, he may try to implement the same plan, with minor changes, that his party rejected yesterday. Yet another option is to try to uproot "only" isolated communities such as Ganim and Kadim in the northern Shomron, giving the Arabs full control over almost all of northern Samaria, as well as Kfar Darom and Netzarim. In sum, Israel's political situation is now very fluid and potentially unstable.
Within Shinui, reactions are mixed. Minister Yosef Paritzky said today that the disengagement plan is dead, and that a new plan must be found based on negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Shinui leader Justice Minister Tommy Lapid, on the other hand, said that the referendum results should basically be ignored, and that Prime Minister Sharon must bring the plan to the government for its approval. Some Shinui members even hinted that the party would quit the government if the withdrawal is not implemented. Lapid said that the Likud is becoming an "extremist right-wing" party and is moving away from the public.
Just 17 months ago, however, shortly before the last national election, Lapid sang quite a different tune. He criticized the retreat-from-Gaza plan, proposed at the time by Labor's Amram Mitzna, in these words:
"... 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?! ..."
The big winner in the referendum was Minister Uzi Landau, the most outspoken Likud leader of the anti-retreat camp. He said last night: "...One thing is clear: we have succeeded in persuading, and the Likud has remained loyal to its principles. Despite all the obstacles, difficulties and pressures, the Likud people in the field acted against the entire mechanism, and we see that they are strong. I am proud to be part of these tens of thousands of people who have principles, and who have ideals, and who act according to the principles of clean politics." Landau said that the Likud is not headed for a split.
Moshe Feiglin, who heads the Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership) faction within the Likud, led a thanksgiving ceremony at the Western Wall plaza last night. Feiglin stated that there is no room for merriment, especially following the murderous attack on the Kisufim road. He opined that the vote is a true indicator of the people's voice, showing that the nation remains attached to its roots and the land. Feiglin said that the Likud Party is a true cross-section of the national population, unlike other parties that are more reflective of a specific sector of the society.
The big loser, in addition to Sharon, may have been Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - who often promoted the plan even more strongly than Sharon himself. Both Olmert and Omri Sharon, the Prime Minister's son, were booed and even attacked by Likud activists yesterday when they visited polling stations. Olmert said that the disengagement plan is still the "only game in town," and that his goal is to "prevent the next family from being slaughtered in Gush Katif." TV anchor Chaim Yavin noted that there was no longer any difference between Olmert and the Labor Party position.
Opponents of the plan such as Likud MKs Ehud Yatom and Gila Gamliel were quick to say that Sharon must not resign and should continue to lead the government. Left-wing Meretz party leader MK Yossi Sarid called on Sharon to resign following his defeat. Opposition leader Shimon Peres also called today for the Prime Minister to dissolve the Knesset and call new elections. "The Likud no longer represents the country," said Peres at a Labor faction meeting today.
The White House issued this statement after the results of the vote were announced: "Our own view has not changed. The President welcomed Prime Minister Sharon's plan to withdraw settlements from Gaza and a part of the West Bank as a courageous and important step toward peace. We will be in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Government of Israel about how to move forward."
"The residents simply knocked on people's doors all over the country, and presented them with the plain truth: 30 years ago the government sent them to the Gaza coast to settle the historic land of Israel. In the face of constant attacks, harassment, and theft perpetrated by the Arabs, they have remained steadfast to the Land, continuing to develop and beautify it. This is our land, and the Bible is our deed. The Likud voters were awed by this simple truth, and understood that here was the real way to defeat terrorism - through Jewish settlement and unbending determination."
Prime Minister Sharon issued a statement around midnight last night, saying,
"I received with sorrow the results of the referendum, and I respect the results. I know that many in the Israeli public support the plan, and I know that they feel, like I do, disappointment at the results. We will have to make difficult decisions. In the coming days, I will hold consultations with the government ministers, the Likud faction and the coalition factions. I will meticulously assess the ramifications and the steps that we intend to take. One thing is clear to me: The people of Israel did not elect me to sit for four years with my hands folded. I was elected to find the way to bring this nation the quiet, security and peace of which it is so worthy. I intend to continue and lead the State of Israel according to the best of my understanding, conscience and public obligation."
The Prime Minister made his first public appearance since yesterday at this afternoon's Likud Knesset faction meeting, and basically repeated the above words. Speculation is rife that though he emphasized his intention not to resigning, he may be forced to do just that in the near future if he does not manage to refurbish his political strength. Alternatively, he may try to implement the same plan, with minor changes, that his party rejected yesterday. Yet another option is to try to uproot "only" isolated communities such as Ganim and Kadim in the northern Shomron, giving the Arabs full control over almost all of northern Samaria, as well as Kfar Darom and Netzarim. In sum, Israel's political situation is now very fluid and potentially unstable.
Within Shinui, reactions are mixed. Minister Yosef Paritzky said today that the disengagement plan is dead, and that a new plan must be found based on negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Shinui leader Justice Minister Tommy Lapid, on the other hand, said that the referendum results should basically be ignored, and that Prime Minister Sharon must bring the plan to the government for its approval. Some Shinui members even hinted that the party would quit the government if the withdrawal is not implemented. Lapid said that the Likud is becoming an "extremist right-wing" party and is moving away from the public.
Just 17 months ago, however, shortly before the last national election, Lapid sang quite a different tune. He criticized the retreat-from-Gaza plan, proposed at the time by Labor's Amram Mitzna, in these words:
"... 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?! ..."
The big winner in the referendum was Minister Uzi Landau, the most outspoken Likud leader of the anti-retreat camp. He said last night: "...One thing is clear: we have succeeded in persuading, and the Likud has remained loyal to its principles. Despite all the obstacles, difficulties and pressures, the Likud people in the field acted against the entire mechanism, and we see that they are strong. I am proud to be part of these tens of thousands of people who have principles, and who have ideals, and who act according to the principles of clean politics." Landau said that the Likud is not headed for a split.
Moshe Feiglin, who heads the Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership) faction within the Likud, led a thanksgiving ceremony at the Western Wall plaza last night. Feiglin stated that there is no room for merriment, especially following the murderous attack on the Kisufim road. He opined that the vote is a true indicator of the people's voice, showing that the nation remains attached to its roots and the land. Feiglin said that the Likud Party is a true cross-section of the national population, unlike other parties that are more reflective of a specific sector of the society.
The big loser, in addition to Sharon, may have been Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - who often promoted the plan even more strongly than Sharon himself. Both Olmert and Omri Sharon, the Prime Minister's son, were booed and even attacked by Likud activists yesterday when they visited polling stations. Olmert said that the disengagement plan is still the "only game in town," and that his goal is to "prevent the next family from being slaughtered in Gush Katif." TV anchor Chaim Yavin noted that there was no longer any difference between Olmert and the Labor Party position.
Opponents of the plan such as Likud MKs Ehud Yatom and Gila Gamliel were quick to say that Sharon must not resign and should continue to lead the government. Left-wing Meretz party leader MK Yossi Sarid called on Sharon to resign following his defeat. Opposition leader Shimon Peres also called today for the Prime Minister to dissolve the Knesset and call new elections. "The Likud no longer represents the country," said Peres at a Labor faction meeting today.
The White House issued this statement after the results of the vote were announced: "Our own view has not changed. The President welcomed Prime Minister Sharon's plan to withdraw settlements from Gaza and a part of the West Bank as a courageous and important step toward peace. We will be in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Government of Israel about how to move forward."