For the most diehard Jewish settlers, the last view of their doomed homes on the Gaza coast is likely to be from a cage as it swings high over the uniform red roofs, whitewashed walls and neatly tended gardens to deliver them to the security forces.
At midnight, as the deadline passed for Israelis to leave the 17 condemned settlements in the Gaza Strip and four small ones in the northern West Bank, the government was still banking on most of the 8,000 settlers going quietly.
Prime minister Ariel Sharon has tried to lure them out with generous compensation packages far above the true value of the properties left behind and with appeals to consider the national good.
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Israel Defense Forces troops sealed off the Gaza Strip at midnight Sunday, marking the first time Israel will pull out of land Palestinians want for a future state.
Forty-eight hours later, IDF soldiers will begin forcibly removing those settlers remaining in the settlements.
A short while later, an IDF convoy rolled into the Gaza Strip. Some 50 vehicles, including jeeps, ambulances and buses carrying police and soldiers entered the Strip Reuters news agency reported.
Also Sunday night, settlers clashed with IDF troops near the northern West Bank settlements of Sa-Nur and Shavei Shomron. Sa-Nur is one of the four settlements in the northern West Bank to be evacuated along with the Gaza Strip.
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By Israel Insider staff and partners  August 14, 2005  
Israeli authorities set up roadblocks across southern Israel and cut off bus service to the Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as they began final preparations to begin dismantling all 21 settlements inside Gaza.
Israeli soldiers are set to to seal off the Gaza settlements at midnight Sunday. Two days later, soldiers will begin forcibly removing those residents remaining in the 21 Israeli communities.
Starting Monday morning, in an operation dubbed "Brothers' hand," security forces plan to enter each community, knock on the door of each house, deliver an eviction notice, and offer to help each family pack, even provide babysitting services. 
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26 Adar 1 5765
Since its meeting on 28th Shvat 5765, the Sanhedrin has deliberated the initiative of the Prime Minister of Israel, the decisions of the government, and legislation enacted by the Knesset regarding the plan known as "The Disengagement," henceforth referred to in this document as "the uprooting."
This plan involves the uprooting of Jewish communities in the Gaza strip and northern Samaria, the forced expulsion of Jews from their homes, and the willful transfer of these lands to a foreign power.
Following an intensive study which took place regarding the halachic (authentic Jewish law) questions that arise from the government's decision, the Sanhedrin hereby brings its conclusions and decisions to the public's attention.

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