Reply #3: The real problem is the lack of pressure from the United States [View All]

[tinnypriv]

Sharon is quite naturally going to go as far as he can, and stretch his room for manoeuvre as wide as possible. It'd be stupid to expect otherwise - any leader would do the same.

He knows he can do anything he wants, provided he doesn't "heat up" the situation too much. Meanwhile, the wall continues to be built, the settlements expanded, land confiscated, peace undermined, people driven into the arms of Hamas etc.

Israel got the WB, Golan, East J and Gaza by force. It won't give 'em back unless forced. Simple principles of statecraft.