Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s plan for a unilateral evacuation from the Gaza Strip, along with the possibility of a more limited withdrawal in the West Bank, is now at the center of diplomatic attention.

Sharon’s idea marks a turning point in the history of Israeli occupation policy. Most significant, the Gaza Strip [but not the West Bank] has joined the Sinai and Golan as areas where Israel is prepared to endorse evacuation of settlements and military withdrawal as a means of enhancing Israeli security.