JERUSALEM, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday the settlers he intends to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and West Bank have a "messianic complex."
"You are wonderful pioneers, builders of the land, settlers on barren soil, in rain and through winter, through all difficulties. However, you have one weakness -- you have developed among yourselves a messianic complex," he said.
"You must remember that there were days, before you were born or were only small children, when other people risked their lives day and night, worked and toiled, made sacrifices, and performed their tasks without a hint of a messianic complex and I call on you today, my good friends from Gush Emunim, to perform your tasks with no less modesty than your predecessors, on other days and nights."
The Knesset was vote Tuesday on the disengagement plan Sharon described as "strengthening Israel's hold on the territory vital to its existence" and "advancing us toward peace with the Palestinians and our other neighbors." It's believed the prime minister has the support of at least 65 lawmakers, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The disengagement plan does not take the place of negotiations, but is a necessary step in a "reality that does not allow real talks for peace now," Sharon told the Knesset.
