THE GAZA STRIP WITHDRAWAL: A BRIEF REVIEW: Former PM Ariel Sharon decided to test the hypothesis that Israelis could trade "land for peace." In August 2005, he ordered the evacuation of all Israelis from Gaza - forcibly removing those who refused to quietly leave homes, thriving businesses, community hubs and synagogues. He hoped Gaza would become a peaceful place for the Palestinians whose leaders would focus on economic development. If that had happened, the argument for Israeli withdrawal from the Judea & Samaria would have become compelling. Instead it led to wars between Gaza and Israel in 2008, 2012, and 2014. Gaza became a base for terrorist groups and to this day, Israel’s southern and coastal communities remain victims of terrorist rocket fire and now terrorist tunnel threats. Based on this experience, most Israelis rightfully fear that withdrawal from Judea & Samaria would be disastrous. From Judea & Samaria, all of Israel's major population centers could be targeted with projectiles.

Many residents of Jewish communities expelled during the 2005 Gaza Disengagement are still unemployed and living with their families in cramped caravans or small crowed apartments. Jewish refugees dispelled from their land by the Sharon Administration left behind empty houses and mature enterprises for Gaza Arabs to take over. Thousands of Palestinians had years of experience working for Jewish employers. With innovation and work from Arab farmers, what the Jews left behind could have been a paradise of industry and financial support for Gazans. Instead they broke up greenhouses and sold the parts, neglected the agriculture and destroyed the houses. A few former Jewish worship centers – those that were left standing, continue to be used as terrorist training camps in which kidnapping and urban warfare is practiced. Israel’s leaders have learned hard lessons regarding the lie of attempting to pay the full price for peace with those who are their avowed enemies. (Washington Post/Ynet)