Last update - 00:00 25/10/2006
MK Levy to ask panel to award Israel Prize to Gaza evacuees
By Gideon Alon, Haaretz Correspondent
MK Yitzhak Levy (National Union-National Religious Party) said Wednesday he plans to ask the Israel Prize committee to collectively award Israel's most prestigious accolade to settlers evacuated from the Gaza Strip in 2005.
Levy will meet the committee to present his request in a meeting on Thursday.
"Awarding the prize to settlers whose worlds have collapsed will be a token of respect and will honor all of Israel's citizens," Levy said.
Levy's suggestion came in response to a letter sent by MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima), recommending the award be given to former prime minister Ariel Sharon, whose decision to withdraw Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip resulted in the evacuation of the Gush Katif settlements.