The son of late Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Gilad Sharon, has announced running for a leadership position in the ruling Likud Party.
The political scene in Israel is in dire need of an Ariel Sharon-like leader, his son stressed, noting that he sees himself suitable to take over.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is no longer fit to head the government even though the law allows him to do so, he said.
Gilad also expressed objection to Netanyahu's policies and his decision to halt the annexation plan and imposing sovereignty over the settlements.
He slammed the PM’s policies and considered them “compatible” with the Palestinians in Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He said even if Hamas rules Gaza Strip forever, they should be peaceful neighbors, manage their own affairs, and not place their burdens on Israel.
“I don't understand why they are trying to force us to give them electricity, water, and medical equipment.”
“We have to show real power that deters and frightens,” he stressed, adding that he supports wiping out an entire region in the Strip it Palestinians are using it to launch missiles towards Israel.
Gilad is Sharon’s eldest son and has never been involved in politics, but he sees now that Israel lacks influential political leaders.
His brother, Omri, was a constant companion of his father and was elected as a Knesset member. However, he was involved in a bribery case and was sentenced to prison. He later retired from politics and devoted himself to working in the family’s farm.
Gilad defends his father’s decision in late September 2000 to visit the Temple Mount, stressing that it was right and rejects all that was said about the visit, especially that it led to the intifada.
“My father used to visit the place a lot. He only visits the squares without entering the mosques,” Gilad explained, adding that this angered him.
Sharon didn’t accept the fact that although he was the opposition leader, yet he needed a whole army division to guard him during every visit.
“Once he decided to step into the Temple Mount, Yasser Arafat saw it was time to start the uprising.”
