Sharon Proposes Removing Settlements

I've tended to let the Middle East conflict fade into the background lately, but about 30 seconds ago it just sank in that Ariel Sharon is proposing a unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank, including settlement removals. That seems, well, huge, though of course it might turn out to be all talk and no action. This already has right-wing parties considering leaving the coalition. One thing I wonder about is if he will simply pull back behind the existing wall, which of course cuts through territory most consider to be part of the future Palestinian state. Such a move would enable Israel to say they are protecting their citizens while significantly easing the occupation, and leave Palestinians in a tight spot if they ever hope to regain all the Occupied Territories. I still don't have a clear read on whether Sharon would see that as an end in itself or a manuever to force negotiations from a position of strength.