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Most Americans Oppose “Disengagement Plan”
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States disagree with the Israeli government's proposal to uproot Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, according to a poll by McLaughlin & Associates for the Zionist Organization of America. 63 per cent of respondents are opposed to the unilateral withdrawal.
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.
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.
In June 2004, U.S. president George W. Bush issued a statement supporting the Israeli government's disengagement rationale as "a courageous and historic step." On Apr. 11, Sharon and Bush met in Texas. The American president said he "told (Sharon) not to undertake any activity that contravenes the road map or prejudices final status obligations."
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose Israel's unilateral withdrawal from a section of Gaza and Northern Samaria?
Support | 16% |
Oppose | 63% |
Source: McLaughlin & Associates / Zionist Organization of America
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,000 American adults, conducted on Jun. 26 and Jun. 27, 2005. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.