Sharon slams radical rabbis
Extremist anti-disengagement activists led by radical religious figures undermine Israel’s democratic, Jewish character, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon tells police commanders; calls on rabbis to speak out against insubordination
TEL AVIV – Radical anti-pullout activists, led by extremist rabbis, pose a danger to Israel’s democratic and Jewish character, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned in a meeting with police commanders Thursday.
“Acts by radical circles could undermine Israel’s character as a Jewish and democratic nation, and to my regret, they are led by radical groups of rabbis,” he said.
“We are talking about a small minority even within the national-religious public, which is a wonderful community,” Sharon said, and proceeded to slam anti-disengagement insubordination.
“In my view, calls for disobedience are the most severe thing,” he said.
Sharon also called on rabbis to speak out against such anti-pullout sentiments.
“You must distinguish yourself from that bad group,” he said in reference to the rabbis.
Meanwhile, Sharon told police officials only one disengagement was planned, and no more unilateral withdrawals were expected.
“There is only one disengagement, the one we’re in the midst of right now,” he said.
Police Chief Moshe Karadi reiterated the message and told police officers: “You will not be dealing with the disengagement issue for years, there’s only one like that.”
Focus on violence, education
The prime minister also used the opportunity to also talk about the “Day After” the pullout. Sharon said he intends to go back to the road map peace plan but noted progress could only be made “after the Palestinians do what they’ve been tasked with.”
On another front, Sharon said that once the disengagement ends, he intends to shift his focus to Israel’s internal problems, and particularly the elimination of violence and education reforms.
After finishing his talk, Sharon turned with a smile to Internal Security Minister Gideon Ezra and told him: Once it (pullout) is over, perhaps you’ll give them one vacation day. I think the last time I was on vacation was before your parents were born.”
The prime minister also dismissed critics who have slammed him over his attitude towards the Palestinians.
“They tell me that I didn’t strike a deal with the Arabs, but rather, with the Americans,” he said. “Still, I have more trust in an agreement with the Americans than with an agreement with the Arabs.”
