Strategic Assessment

The idea of the Greater Land of Israel has been central to the ideological, public, and in many cases personal lives of a large number of Israelis for more than thirty years. For them, Israel's disengagement plan represents a moment of truth and a point of no return. This plan has unquestionably triggered a profound crisis, challenging and destabilizing many of the truths underlying their world view. An important aspect of this crisis stems from the fact that the architect and leader of the disengagement is none other than Ariel Sharon, who until recently served as the community's chief patron. The crisis is likely to have far-reaching repercussions.