Summary of "Israel's Withdrawal From Gaza — 20 Years Later (Part 1)"

Podcast: Call Me Back
Host: Dan Senor
Guests: Asi Shariv (Senior Advisor to Ariel Sharon) and Amit Segal (ARC Media Contributor)
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In this pivotal episode of Call Me Back, Dan Senor delves into the complex and controversial topic of Israel's unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip two decades prior. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this significant event, Senor engages with two key figures—Asi Shariv, a close advisor to then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and Amit Segal, a seasoned journalist who covered the withdrawal extensively—to unpack the political maneuvers, motivations, and repercussions surrounding the disengagement.

Background and Political Landscape (00:00 - 09:08)

Amit Segal opens the discussion by contextualizing the aftermath of the Second Intifada, emphasizing the Israeli consensus to disengage rather than seek a peaceful coexistence with the Palestinians. He states:

“The conclusion of Israelis from the second Intifada was of course, that marriage with the Palestinians is off the table. War and peace, like between Germany and France. But Israelis wanted to divorce.” ([04:11])

The conversation traces the rise of Ariel Sharon, a stalwart of the Likud Party and initially a proponent of Jewish settlements. Despite his hardline reputation, Sharon's strategic pivot towards disengagement surprised many. After winning the 2001 elections with a historic majority, Sharon capitalized on his successes in quelling the Second Intifada to secure another election in 2003, positioning himself as a unifying figure capable of bringing peace through "painful concessions."

Sharon's Political Transformation and Likud Dynamics (09:03 - 17:04)

Asi Shariv recounts Sharon's internal political strategies and the shifting dynamics within the Likud Party:

“Sharon ran on a slogan that said, Sharon is the only one that can bring peace. He's the only one.” ([13:27])

Despite Sharon's right-wing credentials, his acceptance of the Bush administration's Roadmap for Peace in 2003 marked a significant departure from his prior stance. This move was met with skepticism within Likud, particularly from Benjamin Netanyahu, Sharon's political rival. The episode highlights the contentious relationship between Sharon and Netanyahu, with Netanyahu initially opposing Sharon's disengagement plans but ultimately playing a crucial role in enabling their passage.

The Disengagement Plan and Internal Struggles (17:04 - 22:45)

The discussion delves into the intricate political maneuvering that led to the disengagement plan. Asi Shariv explains how Sharon began privately contemplating a unilateral withdrawal in late 2003, a notion that alarmed both internal and external allies:

“Sharon insisted. And on the same night, after he lost, he lost.” ([05:50])

Amit Segal criticizes Netanyahu's role, arguing that his passive support was pivotal in the plan's fruition:

“Netanyahu... was the great enabler of the disengagement plan. Had Netanyahu chosen to come out loud and speak out loud against the disengagement, it would never have happened, at least not in 2005.” ([19:11])

This segment underscores the internal discord within Likud and the precarious balance Sharon had to maintain to push his agenda forward.

The Referendum and Knesset Vote (22:45 - 26:29)

As the episode approaches its halfway mark, Shariv and Segal describe the intense days leading up to the Knesset vote on October 26, 2004. The atmosphere was charged with uncertainty and high stakes. In a dramatic turn, Netanyahu issued an ultimatum demanding a nationwide referendum on the disengagement:

“He had to make a decision... He put a lot of political efforts to convince the Americans that he's going on it.” ([17:51])

The tension culminated in a cliffhanger as the vote commenced, with uncertainties hanging over the outcome and the future of Likud's leadership.

Cliffhanger Ending and Next Steps (26:29 - End)

The episode concludes without revealing the outcome of the Knesset vote, setting the stage for the second part of this in-depth retrospective. Subscribers to the Inside Call Me Back feed are invited to continue the discussion, where Amit Segal will address listener questions about the ramifications of the disengagement, including settler violence, political leadership in Israel, and external influences from countries like Qatar.

Notable Quotes

• Amit Segal ([04:11]):
  “The conclusion of Israelis from the second Intifada was of course, that marriage with the Palestinians is off the table. War and peace, like between Germany and France. But Israelis wanted to divorce.”

• Asi Shariv ([13:27]):
  “Sharon ran on a slogan that said, Sharon is the only one that can bring peace. He's the only one.”

• Amit Segal ([19:11]):
  “Netanyahu... was the great enabler of the disengagement plan. Had Netanyahu chosen to come out loud and speak out loud against the disengagement, it would never have happened, at least not in 2005.”

Conclusion

This episode of Call Me Back offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate political dynamics that led to Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Through firsthand accounts and critical analysis, Senor, Shariv, and Segal shed light on the strategic decisions, personal rivalries, and broader geopolitical factors that shaped this landmark event in Israeli history. The unresolved tensions and cliffhanger ending promise a compelling continuation in the subsequent episode.

Produced and Edited by Ilan Benatar. Executive Producer: Adam James Levin. Sound and Video Editing: Martin Juergo and Mariangulis Burgos. Director of Operations: Maya Rockoff. Research by Gabe Silverstein. Music by Yuval Semo.