"I met with residents of Israeli settlements, and I can say that, from a human point of view, Ariel Sharon's plan causes them a lot of distress," Lazar said.
Lazar said common Israeli citizens distrust the slogan "land in exchange for peace" because they feel they will suffer a great loss by leaving their homes.
"Residents of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip realize they will never be able to live in Tel-Aviv and that it will be difficult for them to find new jobs and homes in Israel," the rabbi said.
He also said that many years ago, when Israelis settled in these new territories, they were told it would be their new homeland. However, now they are being told that they have to leave and that their effort was in vain. "It is very unfortunate," Lazar said.
"In addition, Israeli settlers are concerned that after their withdrawal the Gaza Strip will become a training ground for Hamas militants," Lazar said.
"None of the current settlers believe in a favorable outcome of the withdrawal for Israel," Lazar concluded.
A senior Hamas leader told a news conference in Damascus Wednesday that his organization did not intend to seize power in the Gaza Strip after Israel's withdrawal from the area.
He repudiated the allegations that Hamas was getting ready to conduct a coup and seize power in the Gaza Strip.
