'Increase payout, we'll leave quietly'
Crisis of confidence between Gush Katif residents and their political wing: Gaza residents say politicians failed to prevent disengagement and also to secure decent damages.
A group of Gush Katif residents has been conducting back-room negotiations with Ilan Cohen, Director General of the Prime Minister’s office, to increase the compensation package for families affected by the disengagement plan.
According to reports in Thursday’s Yedioth Aharonoth, Gaza leaders have offered to leave their homes quietly provided they receive adequate compensation.
Deputy Head of the Gaza Regional Council, Itzik Ilia, is scheduled to meet with Ariel Sharon in the coming weeks to formally present the offer.
Sidestepping Yesha Council
The negotiations, conducted behind the back of the Yesha Council, indicates a growing split between the Gaza settlers and the politicians who represent them.
Residents have sharply criticized the Council, saying politicians had failed not only to prevent the withdrawal, but also to secure decent compensation for affected families.
At the Council’s behest, settlers have for months refused to negotiate with the government vis-a-vis compensation so as not to appear to grant the plan legitimacy.
Now, residents feel not only that the state has abandoned them,
but also that they will be unable to build a new life elsewhere.
Ilia said most settlers are looking at a future without work.
"We are looking at a deep fog and don’t know what will become of us," he said. "We estimate that 70-80 percent of our residents will be unable to find work, certainly not on the level they have now. We have no choice but to act now. If they increase the payouts, we’ll go quietly."
Fasting against withdrawal
Despite the negotiations, right-wing activists continue the fight against the pulout.
Rabbis from the national religious movement, including former Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapira, has declared Thursday a fast day “to avert the evil decree” of withdrawal.
Several ultra-Orthdox rabbis joined in the call for a day of fasting and prayer in solidarity with Gush Katif.
