"The major blocs will stay as part of Israel," Sharon said, noting that what he called the "unauthorized outposts" will be dismantled. "As to other [Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria], according to the Road Map, that is the last thing we have to negotiate."
Sharon said there would be no further unilateral disengagements, and demanded that the PA do its part in fighting terrorism.
The Prime Minister said that the fact that PA leader Abu Mazen signed an agreement with Hamas instead of disarming the terrorist organization is "a major problem."
The United State was critical of Israel's decision on Sunday not to destroy its synagogues in Gush Katif. Showing more concern for the PA leadership's political situation than for Israel's religious sensitivities, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the Israeli Cabinet decision "puts the Palestinian Authority into a situation where it may be criticized for whatever it does."
Concern for the protection of holy sites is generally an American concern. A Congressional resolution was proposed in April 2003 expressing the "sense of Congress" that "holy sites around the world, particularly in the Israeli and Palestinian region, should be protected from desecration and any other violation." The resolution did not come up for a vote.
In May 2002, the UN General Assembly made a similar resolution, but left out "synagogues." Resolution A/RES/ES-10/10 of that year "deplor[ed] the destruction of holy sites in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including mosques and churches, and express[ed] its expectation that the Israeli military siege on the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem will end immediately." Several dozen terrorists had taken refuge in the Church, which Israeli forces surrounded, but did not storm, attack or destroy.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice welcomed yesterday the "completion of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza," calling it a "historic moment for both sides" and the result of Sharon's "courageous decision."
Though it was a unilateral Israeli move, she noted that the "commitment of both sides to a successful disengagement process has been impressive... We hope to see this cooperation continue as we move forward, working with Israelis, Palestinians, our Quartet partners, and the broader international community to revitalize the Palestinian economy, assist the Palestinian security forces to restore law and order and to fight terrorism and strive to advance the President's vision of two states living side by side in peace and security."
President Moshe Katzav said today, "It's possible to announce that peace talks with the Palestinians are taking place, but it wouldn't be serious. The government wishes to renew the negotiations only if the PA fulfills its obligations."
Sharon said there would be no further unilateral disengagements, and demanded that the PA do its part in fighting terrorism.
The Prime Minister said that the fact that PA leader Abu Mazen signed an agreement with Hamas instead of disarming the terrorist organization is "a major problem."
The United State was critical of Israel's decision on Sunday not to destroy its synagogues in Gush Katif. Showing more concern for the PA leadership's political situation than for Israel's religious sensitivities, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the Israeli Cabinet decision "puts the Palestinian Authority into a situation where it may be criticized for whatever it does."
Concern for the protection of holy sites is generally an American concern. A Congressional resolution was proposed in April 2003 expressing the "sense of Congress" that "holy sites around the world, particularly in the Israeli and Palestinian region, should be protected from desecration and any other violation." The resolution did not come up for a vote.
In May 2002, the UN General Assembly made a similar resolution, but left out "synagogues." Resolution A/RES/ES-10/10 of that year "deplor[ed] the destruction of holy sites in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including mosques and churches, and express[ed] its expectation that the Israeli military siege on the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem will end immediately." Several dozen terrorists had taken refuge in the Church, which Israeli forces surrounded, but did not storm, attack or destroy.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice welcomed yesterday the "completion of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza," calling it a "historic moment for both sides" and the result of Sharon's "courageous decision."
Though it was a unilateral Israeli move, she noted that the "commitment of both sides to a successful disengagement process has been impressive... We hope to see this cooperation continue as we move forward, working with Israelis, Palestinians, our Quartet partners, and the broader international community to revitalize the Palestinian economy, assist the Palestinian security forces to restore law and order and to fight terrorism and strive to advance the President's vision of two states living side by side in peace and security."
President Moshe Katzav said today, "It's possible to announce that peace talks with the Palestinians are taking place, but it wouldn't be serious. The government wishes to renew the negotiations only if the PA fulfills its obligations."