Sharon also told the committee that Israel would respond harshly if
Palestinian terrorists fire on withdrawing settlers and soldiers. "If there is fire during the evacuation, our response will be very harsh, possibly so harsh that it would destroy the whole process," Sharon said. At the same time, he indicated that once the army stopped Palestinian fire, the pullout would take place. "The evacuation won't take place under fire," Sharon said, “[but] I do not intend that the evacuation won't take place."