Ariel Sharon’s Close Aide Recalls PM’s Rationale Behind Gaza Disengagement

Yoni Ben Menachem, a longtime confidant of the late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, recounted the day of the 2005 disengagement from Gush Katif and northern Samaria, sharing Sharon’s reasoning behind the controversial evacuation. Ben Menachem, a Middle East expert and media figure, described his strong opposition to the disengagement plan, which he and fellow politician Uri Dan tried unsuccessfully to prevent. On the day of the evacuation, Sharon invited Ben Menachem to his office to watch live broadcasts of the operation, appearing deeply troubled and silent as he observed the painful scenes.

Ben Menachem recalled Sharon explaining that the Israeli military could no longer protect settlers in Gaza amid daily terror attacks, and that continuing the status quo would cost Jewish lives, which Sharon did not want on his conscience. Sharon’s stance was shaped by his disappointment with the army’s leadership and the traumatic legacy of the First Lebanon War, where he felt unfairly blamed for soldiers’ deaths. Despite his skepticism about Arab intentions, Sharon framed the disengagement as a necessary act of self-defense because the army could not fulfill its protective role.

Regarding the destruction of four settlements in northern Samaria, Ben Menachem cited American and internal government pressures, particularly from Ehud Olmert, pushing Sharon toward a plan trading Gaza for a reinforced presence in Judea and Samaria. Sharon envisioned a military and settlement reorganization to better secure the West Bank. Ben Menachem also dismissed claims that the disengagement was meant to shield Sharon from a corruption investigation, noting Sharon’s consistent security policy despite personal hardships.

Ben Menachem concluded by warning that some political figures might attempt similar unilateral moves after upcoming elections, despite the disengagement’s tragic outcomes and the lessons it should have taught Israel.