Ariel Sharon Sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel
On February 13, 2001, Ariel Sharon was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Israel, succeeding Ehud Barak. Sharon’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by several significant events that had lasting impacts on the region and Israeli politics.
Background
Ariel Sharon, a former military general and a prominent figure in the Likud party, was elected following a period of intense violence and political instability. His election came in the wake of the collapse of the Camp David Summit in 2000 and the subsequent outbreak of the Second Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation.
The Second Intifada
The Second Intifada began in late September 2000, following a visit by Sharon to the Temple Mount, a site sacred to both Jews and Muslims. This visit was seen by many Palestinians as a provocative act, leading to widespread protests and violence. The uprising was characterized by frequent clashes, suicide bombings, and military operations, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Sharon’s approach to the Intifada was marked by a hardline stance. He emphasized security and military responses to quell the violence, which included targeted operations against Palestinian militants and the reoccupation of West Bank cities in 2002.
Unilateral Disengagement Plan
One of the most notable aspects of Sharon’s tenure was his implementation of the unilateral disengagement plan from the Gaza Strip in 2005. This plan involved the evacuation of all Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and four settlements in the northern West Bank. The disengagement was a controversial move, as it marked a significant shift in Israeli policy and was met with both domestic opposition and international scrutiny.
Sharon argued that the disengagement would improve Israel’s security and international standing, while also reducing friction with the Palestinians. However, the move did not lead to a lasting peace and was followed by continued conflict, including the rise of Hamas in Gaza.
Broader Historical Significance
Sharon’s tenure as Prime Minister was a pivotal period in Israeli history. His leadership during the Second Intifada and the implementation of the disengagement plan had profound effects on Israeli-Palestinian relations and the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Sharon’s policies and actions continue to influence Israeli politics and the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians.
In 2006, Sharon suffered a severe stroke that left him in a coma, effectively ending his political career. He passed away in 2014, but his legacy remains a subject of debate and analysis in the context of Israeli history and Middle Eastern politics.