Twenty years ago, Israel made what was hailed as a historic gamble for peace. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon—the general once known as “Mr. Security” and the leader everyone trusted knew best how to handle Israel’s enemies—ordered the evacuation of 21 Jewish communities in Gaza, dismantled thriving farms, uprooted nearly 9,000 Israeli citizens, and handed the strip to Palestinian control. He argued that the “disengagement” would reduce friction, strengthen Israel’s security, and show the world that the Jewish state was prepared to make painful concessions for peace.
He promised that if a single missile were fired from the newly judenrein Gaza, Israel would have the right to respond decisively. What followed was not a single missile but more than 30,000 rockets, mortars, and missiles over two decades. Four wars, constant bombardment of Israel’s southern towns, and ultimately—the most devastating pogrom against Jews since the Holocaust on October 7, 2023.
Leaving Gaza did not bring peace. It brought war.
The promise and the reality
Sharon’s disengagement was unilateral. There was no treaty, no recognition, no...
Become a Member
-
Read all member content
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.
-
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel
Connect with Israel, right from your home.
-
Lift up the voice of truth and hope
Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.
Already a member? Login here.
