President to evacuees: I'm sorry

Asking for forgiveness: In a special address to the nation, President Moshe Katsav turned to Gaza and northern West Bank would-be evacuees and apologized for removing them from their homes. "On behalf of the State of Israel, I ask you, the settlers, for forgiveness, over the demand that you leave after dozens of years of construction and victims," he said. The president's speech was carried live by local television networks. Katsav chose to address the settlers first, and only then turned his attention to other Israelis. "My brothers, the residents of Gaza and northern Samaria, we are facing one of the most fateful decisions since the Declaration of Independence," he said. "In several days you will be asked, in accordance with government and Knesset decisions, to evacuate the Gaza and northern Samaria region." "I sympathize with your pain," Katsav said. "Many within the nation, regardless of political affiliation, certainly sympathize with your pain." He said, “We know your settling in the territories was an act of conscience that was also carried out in accordance with Israeli governments’ decisions. You have established thriving settlements and raised generations of children and youths who glorify Israel.” “We are in awe of how you have heroically faced the dangers – the thousands of bombs, Qassam rockets and terror attacks. You have risked your families’ and your own lives for the ideal and faith, and you have known pain and bereavement. “After a year of hard-fought battles and intense deliberations – the time has come. You must respect the authorities’ decisions.” Real battle still ahead Katsav went on to say that any act of violence by those attempting to thwart the disengagement is illegitimate. “The right to protest and cry out, the plea to replace the government - they do not justify the use of unacceptable means,” he said. “I was impressed, and even moved, by some of the anti-pullout protests. But there are limits to the struggle. You must refrain from making extreme comments, as some people may be quick to reach conclusions.” The president also addressed the recent wave of insubordination by anti-pullout troops, saying, “Those who believe that anything beneficial will come out of insubordination are gravely mistaken insubordination may lead to disaster.” “You (settlers) must save your strength for the battles that are awaiting us,” he said. “Even those who support the pullout realize the real fight is over the eastern border.”

President to evacuees: I'm sorry

In special speech Wednesday, President Moshe Katsav apologizes on behalf of State for asking settlers to leave homes, says he was touched by some anti-pullout protests