If his appearance in the Knesset yesterday is any indication, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon seems to think that the expulsion of thousands of Jews from their homes is just one big joke.
Speaking to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the premier was grilled with some tough questions about his planned withdrawal from Gaza and northern Samaria, but instead of addressing these gravely serious issues, he chose to stoop to humor instead.
As Yediot Aharonot put it:
Sharon evades pullout questions
Knesset committee members present prime minister with tough questions; Sharon replies with jokes
By Ilan Marciano
JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Ariel Sharon chose to resort to humor as he faced tough questions from members of the Knesset State Control Committee Monday.
Sharon spoke before the committee today in response to criticism expressed in the State Comptroller’s report over preparatory work at the Prime Minister’s Office ahead of the pullout.
During the session, right-wing Knesset members presented Sharon with a series of questions regarding the upcoming settlement evacuation and the decision-making process that led to it.
The prime minister, known as a public relations wizard, mostly read pre-written answers and refused to address the preparatory work undertaken ahead of the disengagement.
If the people of Israel wanted a stand-up routine, they would put on Seinfeld. Sharon’s responsibility is to provide the country with answers – not to dodge their questions with smart-aleck responses.
Throwing people out of their homes is no laughing matter – and it is a shame that the leaders of this country lack the sensitivity to even realize that.
I and my sons watched the Israeli television news yesterday! After the "take" of our joking Prime Minister was over and the anchorman had moved onto the next item, they both looked at me and simultaneously said " ... he's making a joke about democracy!"
The most serious issue facing the Israeli state since perhaps the Yom Kipur War. An issue that threatens to create a rip in the fabric of this society and the only response the man behind this entire initiative is to "joke". No attempt to provide serious meaningful answers.
I can only think that I finally understand the ancient saying about a Roman Caesar ... he proportedly fiddled while Rome burned!
Yoel Ben-Avraham
Shilo, Benyamin
Posted by: Yoel Ben-Avraham | May 31, 2005 at 12:02 PM
JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli Joke Prime Minister Ariel Sharon finds himself disappointed with US President George W. Bush's refusal to put pressure on Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas to crush armed groups, aides said.
Sharon in response said, "I am releasing the 400 murderous Arab prisoners by driving them in those buses to the border of Iraq where they can begin killing American soldiers and Iraqi citizens.
Maybe there Mr. Bush can ask these Arabs nicely to refrain from blowing up or shooting our troops.
Sharon should be at the Laugh Stop.
Posted by: A. J. Wolf | May 31, 2005 at 05:11 PM
this is only the clown act during intermission.a big fat clown that has been drawing laughs in front of large audiences woprldwide, he and all of his snivelling ministers will soon all disappear into that one little car as they search for a road map that lead them to an off-stage area. Bring on Bassi the lion tamer!Bring on the unelected co- conspirators that juggle the knives and portfolios at the same time.It aint over till the fat lady sings!
Posted by: steven peled | June 01, 2005 at 10:45 PM
With this attitude, and at the present rate, the next Prime Minister of Israel will probably be called the Prime Minister of Tel Aviv/Haifa, since that will be about all that is left of the Jewish homeland!
Posted by: Kenneth S. Besig | June 01, 2005 at 11:33 PM
The man that played George, went to Ramallah to meet with Arafat.
Posted by: JTF.ORG | June 09, 2005 at 10:02 AM