Sharon makes final break with Jewish settlers

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made a final break with his former allies in the Jewish settler movement, appealing to parliament to approve a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank in a historic vote tonight.

The plan would mark the first time Israel has pulled down Jewish settlements in the West Bank or Gaza. It has bitterly divided the nation, and solidified Sharon’s transformation from long-time patron of the Jewish settlers to their number one nemesis.