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| Troops attacked in Kfar Darom Photo: Channel 2
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| | | | Sharon upset Photo: Avi Ohayon, Government Press Office
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Sharon slams 'bunch of barbarians'
Prime minister infuriated by attack on soldiers in Kfar Darom, characterizes it as 'crime'; says Israel's position will be boosted in wake of withdrawal
By Shimon Shiffer
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was infuriated as he watched settlers attack troops
in the settlement of Kfar Darom Thursday, characterizing the pullout foes as "barbarians," his close associates said.
Later, Sharon condemned the incident, during which pullout objectors poured a chemical substance on troops, using particularly harsh terms.
| Settler Violence |
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| Severe, but not catastrophic / By Ofer Shelah |
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What happened in Kfar Darom still far from extreme scenarios, Ofer Shelah writes |
| Full Story |
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The prime minister said the youngsters were sent to Kfar Darom in a bid to prevent, by force, the implementation of government and Knesset decisions.
"This was in direct contrast to the dignified exit of Kfar Darom's residents," he said. "This group of self-righteous individuals must be punished."
Turning his attention to the evacuation itself, Sharon said he was particularly touched by the image of IDF soldiers gently packing the toys of evacuated children.
"I will remember the teddy bear placed in the box, I'll remember the faces of the soldiers who stood quietly and didn't respond to the insults hurled at them," he said.
Sharon to visit Gaza next week
However, the prime minister knows the disengagement is not only a public opinion battle, but also a complex task that involves outlining the direction Israel will turn to now, future relations with the Palestinians, as well as his own personal struggle to regain his dominance within the Likud.
Sharon is convinced Israel's diplomatic situation will be improved in the wake of the Gaza Withdrawal. Moreover, he is unconcerned by the New York Times interview with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who said the Americans want Israel to undertake additional withdrawals.
"I suggest that everyone read what Dr. Rice really said," Sharon notes, and adds that in the foreseeable future "more withdrawals are not expected, another disengagement is not expected, but rather, a return to the Road Map outline."
Meanwhile, the prime minister dismisses charges of a rift within the Likud.
"What's happening in the Likud is an attempt to remove me and replace me in the leadership position," he says. "I have no doubt that in the next elections I will head the Likud."
Next week, Sharon is expected to visit Gush Katif. During the tour, he plans to meet with evacuation forces and offer some moral support. However, he is not expected to meet any local residents.
The tour is expected to take place under a heavy blanket of security.
Story first published in Yedioth Ahronoth
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