'Sharon more empathic toward settlers'

TEL AVIV - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon may renew ties with settler and Yesha Council leaders following a rift that has lasted several months, Ynetnews has learned. Withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank will be implemented, Sharon said in a recent closed forum. He added, however, that talks should be held with Yesha Council and Gush Katif leaders, despite failed attempts in the past to reach any agreement between the parties. Sharon said he understands the settlers’ pain in having to leave their homes, and he wants to hear what they have to say. Sharon also said he wants to assist Gush Katif evacuees as much as possible. The last meeting between the prime minister and the settlers was held in an atmosphere of discord. Settlers had walked out of the meeting after accusing Sharon of disrespect. In recent weeks Sharon has been referring to settlers with empathy. After approving the Gaza and West bank pullout in the Cabinet Sunday, Sharon reiterated that the decision taken by the Cabinet was a difficult one. “However, it is a decision of hope for a better future for all of us”, he said. Arik’s camp returns? Sharon met with several of his party supporters Thursday who urged him to step up his political activities. Following the meeting, Sharon is expected to step up his political activities within his own Likud party ranks. He is set to meet with as many central committee members as possible in a bid to strengthen what is known as the Arik camp. Sharon’s supporters presented him with a list of complaints noting he was not sufficiently involved in the party’s internal politics. They also said they sought to hold a large rally with Sharon’s attendance to demonstrate their support. “Sharon is removed from the people because of the tight security around him,” a party supporter said. Sharon’s associates said the meeting was convened Thursday so that Sharon could give his party members a “chance to let off steam.” However, there are plans to expose Sharon to party activists so that he can advocate his plans. The parties agreed that Sharon would meet party activists twice a week in the coming weeks. “We are devising ways to expose the prime minister more to the public, despite the heavy security,” a source from Sharon’s office said. “We want him to explain his plans to his people. Sharon is not interested in setting up his own camp within the Likud.” He said. Sharon’s associates told Ynetnews there are no plans to revive a real camp at present. But party activists want to hear there will be increased activity. A decision was also made to apply pressure on the so called “Likud rebels” to make them understand that toppling the government would knock Likud to the ground, too.

'Sharon more empathic toward settlers'

Sharon seeks to renew ties with settler heads; set to strengthen political activity within Likud ranks