A poll about the pull-out

摘要

It seems a no-brainer. Later this year Ariel Sharon plans to evacuate the 8,000-odd Israelis in the Gaza Strip from their settlements and pull out the army. His opponents, most of whom wish to preserve Israel's grip on every inch of land, say the prime minister should call a referendum. Polls show that over two-thirds of voters support the Gaza withdrawal, and also that over 60% favour a referendum. So why not hold one and have done with it? The pressure on Mr Sharon to do just that is growing, not only from his opponents, but also from supporters who fear that the issue could otherwise cleave the nation. Protests that began small have mushroomed. Last month, some 150,000 people demonstrated outside the Knesset.