A speech given by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on 15 August 2005, upon implementation of the Disengagement Plan, a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank involving the relocation of around 10,000 Israeli settlers. In his speech, Sharon reiterated his view that the Israeli presence in the Strip was untenable, and expressed hope that the Palestinians would take responsibility in fighting terrorism and promoting the peace process. He saluted both the evacuated settlers and the security forces carrying out the plan.