The Likud, party in office, voted down unilateral demarcation blueprints in its referendum of May 2. It is now the Cabinet's duty to come up with another political initiative, and implement it before other schemes appear to Israel's detriment, warned the minister.
"We cannot afford to U-turn our anti-terror tactics. It is the road of diplomacy we ought to embark on. Whatever plan or peace agreement is to proceed from the necessity to stop the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," stressed Mr. Mofaz.
His despondent statement sent opponents of Jewish settlers' evacuation into stormy indignation. Zvi Gendel, Deputy Education Minister, went so far as to accuse the Defense Minister of encouraging terrorists. "The Defense Minister alleges that the admirable, valiant Gaza settlement movement is only a passing arrangement. Meanwhile, Jews are being killed off. What will tentative terrorists think in the situation?" he exclaimed.
