February 20, 2005
Cabinet Communique

. 3. The Cabinet discussed the amended Disengagement Plan - the evacuation of communities and territories. Prime Minister Sharon summarized the discussion as follows:

"The Government's decision is important and vital for the State of Israel. From the moment that today's decision is made, all ministers and ministries are bound by it and must act to advance it. The decision that we will make today is that referred to in Article 22 of the law regarding the evacuation of each group of communities, which requires that the decision be made five months prior to the actual evacuation. It is in keeping with Minister Tzipi Livni's compromise, as it was approved by the Cabinet on 6 June 2004, regarding groups of communities; before the evacuation of each group, the Cabinet will convene in order to discuss and see if circumstances have changed, and decide accordingly.

This is not an easy day. This is a tough decision, very tough for all of us. I know that there are ministers for whom today's vote is an especially harsh decision. These are among Israel's best people, who established regional enterprises under very harsh conditions and were steadfast for many years with uncommon heroism. I ask that ministers meet with them and I will invite them again. But the decision is a harsh one. There are times when leadership, determination and responsibility are called for, even if it doesn't seem popular, even if the decision isn't easy. We must remember that we are making this decision in order to advance the future of the State of Israel and I very much appreciate the ministers' vote."

In continuation of decision #1996 of 6 June 2004, and in accordance with Article 22a of the Disengagement Implementation Law, the Cabinet decided, in regard to each group of communities, as follows:

A) Regarding the communities in the first group:
i) To evacuate the communities included in the first group as defined in the aforementioned Cabinet decision (Morag, Netzarim and Kfar Darom);

B) Regarding the second group of communities:
i) To evacuate the communities included in the first group as defined in the aforementioned Cabinet decision (Northern Samaria communities - Ganim, Kadim, Sa-nur and Homesh);

C) Regarding the third group of communities:
i) To evacuate the communities included in the first group as defined in the aforementioned Cabinet decision (the communities in Gush Katif).

D) Regarding the fourth group of communities:
i) To evacuate the communities included in the first group as defined in the aforementioned Cabinet decision (the Northern Gaza Strip communities - Elei Sinai, Dugit and Nisanit).

For all four of these phases of the Disengagement Plan listed above (A, B, C, D), the government has decided that "The Cabinet will reconvene shortly before the evacuation of the group, will discuss the then existing circumstances, and will decide whether or not the circumstances are such that they will affect the evacuation".

E) In accordance with Article 22a of the 2005 Disengagement Plan Implementation Law, shortly after this decision is made, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense minister Shaul Mofaz will, in an order or orders, determine the territories to be evacuated and the date of evacuation.

F) The discussions referred to above will be held from time to time, as will be determined for each group and as per the evacuation process...