Polls & Research

Party Allegiance Affects Disengagement in Israel

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many Israeli adults agree with their government's proposal to uproot Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, according to a poll by Shvakim Panorama released by Israel Radio. 53.4 per cent of respondents are in favour of the "Disengagement Plan."

In December 2003, Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon presented his "Disengagement Plan." The proposal seeks the gradual evacuation of close to 7,500 Israeli settlers who live in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, and calls for the redeployment of forces along new security lines.

Backing for the proposal varies across party lines. While 92.8 per cent of Labour party supporters agree with disengagement, only 44.1 per cent of Likud voters concur.

On May 9, Sharon announced that the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan" in the Gaza Strip will begin in mid-August, immediately after the Tishah B'Av mourning period. Close to 1,800 families would have to be re-located. The total cost of the plan, including funds earmarked as part of a compensation package for settlers, has been set at $870 million U.S.

Sharon has administered the Israeli government since March 2001. In the January 2003 general election, Likud received 29.4 per cent of the vote and elected 38 legislators to the Israeli Parliament. The next parliamentary ballot is tentatively scheduled for January 2007.

Likud temporarily lost its parliamentary majority in June 2004 after traditional allies disagreed with Sharon's "Disengagement Plan." In January, Sharon formed a new government with the Labour party and the United Torah Judaism alliance. The new coalition provides Sharon with a majority of lawmakers who support the withdrawal.

Polling Data

Do you support the disengagement plan?