Safire, who enjoys a long and close connection with the prime minister, wrote that Sharon also told him in a telephone conversation that the Palestinian Authority (PA) has not taken the "slightest step" in fighting terrorism.
Referring to his difficulty in building a coalition to avoid new elections, Sharon told the Times, "We have problems with the ultra-Orthodox party. They changed their minds under heavy pressure from radical rabbis of the settlers. If I don’t have a majority this week, then maybe we'll have to go to elections." He added that elections would be a mistake for the country, "but even if it becomes necessary, I will go ahead with disengagement."
Regarding the continuing terrorism in southern Israel, Sharon was quoted as saying, "The Palestinians have 30,000 armed security people who still find it hard to fight terrorists."
He also revealed that Israel is not retaliating strongly against terror because it supports the leading candidate Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) who is running in the presidential elections scheduled for Sunday. "We do not interfere so as not to make it harder for him, but I believe Abu Mazen will be elected.
He also clearly stated that he will not dismantle Jewish communities and evict the residents under fire. "After their election, we'll see if they take the steps to stop the terror. If they do, it will be also quiet on our side, but if we have intelligence of a terrorist attack, we'll have to act.
"It would be clearly impossible to evacuate under fire. With thousands of cars and trucks relocating women, children, animals, we will tolerate no attacks during withdrawal. I told the Egyptians to pass the word that if these people come under fire, Israel's reaction will be very hard."
Referring to his difficulty in building a coalition to avoid new elections, Sharon told the Times, "We have problems with the ultra-Orthodox party. They changed their minds under heavy pressure from radical rabbis of the settlers. If I don’t have a majority this week, then maybe we'll have to go to elections." He added that elections would be a mistake for the country, "but even if it becomes necessary, I will go ahead with disengagement."
Regarding the continuing terrorism in southern Israel, Sharon was quoted as saying, "The Palestinians have 30,000 armed security people who still find it hard to fight terrorists."
He also revealed that Israel is not retaliating strongly against terror because it supports the leading candidate Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) who is running in the presidential elections scheduled for Sunday. "We do not interfere so as not to make it harder for him, but I believe Abu Mazen will be elected.
He also clearly stated that he will not dismantle Jewish communities and evict the residents under fire. "After their election, we'll see if they take the steps to stop the terror. If they do, it will be also quiet on our side, but if we have intelligence of a terrorist attack, we'll have to act.
"It would be clearly impossible to evacuate under fire. With thousands of cars and trucks relocating women, children, animals, we will tolerate no attacks during withdrawal. I told the Egyptians to pass the word that if these people come under fire, Israel's reaction will be very hard."