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More Israelis Now in Favour of Disengagement
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The number of adults in Israel who support their government's proposal to uproot Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank has grown, according to a poll by Maagar Mochot. 63 per cent of respondents are in favour of the "Disengagement Plan," a 12 per cent increase since late June.
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.
Yesterday, the leaders of the G-8 pledged up to $3 billion U.S. a year for the next three years in funds to "energize the Palestinian economy." British prime minister Tony Blair—who hosted the summit—said the assistance is offered "so that two states, Israel and Palestine, two peoples and two religions can live side-by-side in peace."
Polling Data
Are you for or against the disengagement plan?
Jul. 6 | Jun. 26 | Jun. 19 | Jun. 6 | |
For | 63% | 51% | 53% | 48% |
Against | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% |
Other | 4% | 16% | 14% | 19% |
Source: Maagar Mochot
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 516 Israeli adults, conducted on Jul. 6, 2005. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.