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It is too early to tell if Israel withdrawal from the Gaza strip will pay
off or if we are simply encouraging Palestinian terrorism. In the end, this
year's census showed how the high Arab birth rates erased the Jewish majority in
Israel for the first time since 1948. Leaving Gaza guarantees a Jewish majority for at
least another generation. Obviously, the Arabs will claim a victory, but should
they launch an attack from Gaza, Israel lies poised ready to reenter in all its
force - without having to worry about the consequences to a few thousand
settlers surrounded by over a million Arabs. We need to emphasize to the world
both the price we are paying for peace, and our determination
to stand firm against terrorism.
Paying the Price for Peace. It is the settlers who are paying the greatest part of the price for peace. It is they who were encouraged by previous governments to settle barren land and and turn it into homes, gardens and farms. They are giving it up now in hope of preserving our democratic ideals.
Security Disengagement. After disengagement there seems to be unanimity around a return to the Road Map. But what does this actually mean?
Why do Palestinians in Gaza Still Live in Refugee Camps? While the PLO has done its best to keep Palestinians in refugee camps, Israel has done its best to move Palestinians out of the camps and into new homes. Israel even started a heavily subsidized "build-your-own-home" program for Palestinian refugees.
Journey to Gush Katif. Little suggested that only weeks remained for Ganei Tal, a religious moshav in southern Gaza. The lawns were watered and fresh flowers filled the gardens. The major clue that change was coming was the stream of Orthodox tourists making pilgrimages of support.