Friday June 10, 2005

I've Been Thinking:

Support within Israel for the Gaza redeployment is slipping.

A few months ago, polls had 65% of Israelis in favor of redeployment.
This week the numbers hover at about 50% - anywhere from 48%-54%.
Dissenters are at between 33%-38%.

Is this a trend?

Until now, the argument for or against Gaza redeployment within Israel has been restricted to the grass roots level. The public, political debate is only now surfacing. Former military and security chiefs, not only politicians, are starting to let their voices be heard. For many people, this is the first period when their eyes are being opened to both sides of the issue. The prime minister has yet to argue his case before the people.

What's next?
Things will heat up.
Anti-redeployment activities will increase.
Will protest organizers overplay their hand? Will blocking traffic call attention to the cause and help --- or will it irritate, aggravate and turn people away?

Keep reading those polls.