Does that include the left in Israel? The fact that Sharon is so well supported, despite forced evictions, is a testimony to me that current Israeli thinking is similar to the pacifistic denial that got Polish Jews killed in the Warsaw Ghetto.
Actually security is the #1 political issue for most Israelis, far above the economy and other issues despite the fact that 20% live below the poverty line. It is the reason that Sharon was first elected and the reason his personal popularity continues to be very high - so high that he can form a new party that instantly shoots to the top of the polls.
Israelis are nothing if not practical. Gaza was a cess pool that should have been ceded back to its original ruler, Egypt - but Egypt was too smart to take on the Pals (after having seen what they tried to do in Jordan). So Israel kept Gaza - which was a huge drain economically and militarily. The Generals have been wanting to jettison this piece of garbage for many years.
Give Sharon credit for building fences, cutting his losses, and forging ahead. Terrorist bombings are down 95% since he came to office. That is why he is popular.
"Does that include the left in Israel?"
I was referring to the left in Israel. They are pretty much the same as the left here.
I don't think PM Sharon is unrealistic in his appreciation of the Palestinian hatred and desire to wipe Israel off the map. Leftists may like his current program but he is not one of them. I think he has opted for what is called defnsible borders, and a two state solution because he felt that the world was heading for forcing a one state solution. He also thought that Pres Bush and this administration would allow him the best shot at achieving the best borders.
Whether he has made a hubrisitic miscalculation remains to be seen.