(Disengagement Authority chief Yonatan) Basi says majority of settlers in state of denial

Ma'ariv International ^ | 26 September 2004 | Menahem Rahat

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Basi says majority of settlers in state of denial

In first press conference, Disengagement Authority chief says settlers have their heads in the sand, hoping something will foil pullout implementation.

Menahem Rahat

A secret poll conducted among settlers in the Gaza Strip has shown that the majority of them have yet to grasp the possibility that they would be evacuated from their homes once the disengagement plan commences, head of the Disengagement Authority, Yonatan Basi, has revealed.

In a press conference held for the first time this (Sunday) afternoon at the Prime Minister’s bureau in Jerusalem, Basi said, “The settlers are adopting a method described by “Hazal” (Jewish sages) in the Aramaic words of “Liba Lepuma Gali”, a saying which means that the heart won’t reveal what is happening even to the mouth”.

Basi added that the settlers believe that something would eventually happen that would foil the implementation of the plan. He urged them to begin a dialogue with the authority so they would be able to get what they are entitled to.

The man who is responsible for the disengagement plan and an observant Jew himself tried to communicate his empathy and support to those slated for evacuation: “My heart goes out to them after these four long years of suffering. This is not something that can be done with a smile. Both evacuees and evacuators would end this process with a large wound”.

Basi remarks came hours after letters from the Disengagement Authority were sent to 1,700 families living in 21 settlements slated for evacuation. However, the settlers have already announced that they would refuse to receive the letters.

The letters deal with the settlers’ rights regarding compensation the state is offering, and detail the ways to receive the funds. They also vow for complete confidentiality.

“We are well aware of the variety of personal, social and economic ramifications of this move”, the letter states. “We shall do our best to assist you in the uttermost sensitivity, and as professionally as possible”.

According to the letter, “The Government of Israel views dialogue with the population slated for evacuation as a vital means to reach an understanding on the various issues at hand”.

“If you view yourself as entitled to an advanced payment, please fill out the attached form and return it to the Disengagement Authority. A reply would be sent stating whether you are entitled to be compensated, and if so, in which amount”, it continues.

According to the authority, dozens of families have already commenced quiet enquiries to find out what they are entitled to. However, settler leaders have already stated that they will not receive the letters, while a group of rabbis last week called on Gush Katif and northern Samaria residents to publicly burn them.

Meanwhile, Cabinet ministers today received the details of the compensation bill for review. The Inner Cabinet approved the bill two weeks ago. According to the proposed bill, settlers who would voluntarily evacuate would get an extra $20,000 benefit package. According to the timetable presented by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the Cabinet will vote on the bill in several weeks.

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If the settlers have any doubt about the Prime Minister's intentions they really ought to remember who led the IDF forces who evacuated Yamit.