💨 Abstract

Twenty years ago, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, removing 21 settlements and its forces. The 2005 disengagement, led by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, aimed to jump-start peace talks but instead empowered Hamas. The forcible removal of settlers galvanized Israel’s far-right, leading to political gains for hardline leaders such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff