Mofaz's visit was the first time a minister favoring the government plan to uproot Jewish life in 25 communities came to speak with civilians slated for expulsion. He admitted he was not expecting a red carpet welcome - but in fact, angry residents refused to let him speak.
The defense minister, a former IDF Chief of Staff, said he came to N'vei Dekalim - Gush Katif's largest town - to explain that the evacuation policy was approved by a majority of the Knesset and must be implemented. He arrived at the hall via a back entryway, so as not to have to meet up with a crowd of angry demonstrators. However, when he saw that the room was basically empty, he came out to talk with the crowd. He was greeted by shouts and placards denouncing the idea of forcing Jews out of their homes and turning the land over to the Arab enemy.
Mofaz later said, "I wanted to shake their hand. I defended them for years. I really appreciate them and even love them."
"He came here too late," said N'vei Dekalim resident Yitzchak Golan. Golan said that he and others had expected government ministers to visit a year ago when Prime Minister Sharon went against his own party platform and proposed the withdrawal.
Gaza Coast Regional Council Head Avner Shimoni also said there was no benefit to the defense minister's visit. "Every meeting with a government figure makes it seem like there is discussion with the residents," he explained.
Before his unsuccessful visit to N'vei Dekalim, Mofaz visited another community, Ganei Tal, where he managed to speak with farmer Avi Talman. Talman explained to Mofaz that forcing him and other farmers to leave Gush Katif would end their careers. Mofaz replied that he "knows it hurts," but that the government is doing what it thinks is best for the country.
The defense minister, a former IDF Chief of Staff, said he came to N'vei Dekalim - Gush Katif's largest town - to explain that the evacuation policy was approved by a majority of the Knesset and must be implemented. He arrived at the hall via a back entryway, so as not to have to meet up with a crowd of angry demonstrators. However, when he saw that the room was basically empty, he came out to talk with the crowd. He was greeted by shouts and placards denouncing the idea of forcing Jews out of their homes and turning the land over to the Arab enemy.
Mofaz later said, "I wanted to shake their hand. I defended them for years. I really appreciate them and even love them."
"He came here too late," said N'vei Dekalim resident Yitzchak Golan. Golan said that he and others had expected government ministers to visit a year ago when Prime Minister Sharon went against his own party platform and proposed the withdrawal.
Gaza Coast Regional Council Head Avner Shimoni also said there was no benefit to the defense minister's visit. "Every meeting with a government figure makes it seem like there is discussion with the residents," he explained.
Before his unsuccessful visit to N'vei Dekalim, Mofaz visited another community, Ganei Tal, where he managed to speak with farmer Avi Talman. Talman explained to Mofaz that forcing him and other farmers to leave Gush Katif would end their careers. Mofaz replied that he "knows it hurts," but that the government is doing what it thinks is best for the country.