Assuming my analysis is accurate (which it is) then Israel had to do several things in expectation of the next round of sham game playing with the Palestinian “leadership” as a result of whatever impetus, a “new PM” or Arafat’s demise.

1) Prove they could eliminate attacks on their own since the PLO wouldn’t act to. The failed talks with Abbas proved what the Israelis already knew would happen. Now the Palis and world (UN/EU) can’t claim the bogus charge ‘look what happens when Israel comes to the table, less attacks.’

They (Sharon) has done this.

2) The wall not only accomplished (1) but will function as a de-facto border that Israel decides UNTIL the Palis (not the Israelis) make real moves towards peace – which they will NEVER (incapable as well) do.

This reverses a little bit the Old Game Of…

Palis “talk peace” Israel gives up concrete things.

Now the PLO has to do something real to get Israel to move the fence.

3) The wall also prevents the Palis from utilizing the Israeli economy to prop up their sham/corrupt government. Car thefts, illegal arms trading, workers coming into Israel are HUGE amounts to the PA economy. This forces the Palis to look at their own house and either put up with it or rebel against it, which is starting to happen.

4) Begin an initial withdrawal only from areas they don’t want to be in for sure. This would ensue a power vacuum and struggle forcing the PA to address all the things they don’t want to.

NOTE, Marty Indyk and his “trusteeship” ‘brilliant’ idea wants to hold the Palis/PLO’s hand to do this or in essence squeeze Israel and prevent a real and necessary hand wringing in Gaza and forcing the PLO to make some actual tough decisions and be accountable for them like a real government is supposed to.

Mike