A decline in the popularity of Sharon

An opinion poll issued by the Israeli daily Maareve on Friday showed the regret most of the Israelis for the performance of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon.

According to the opinion poll, some 53% of those questioned expressed their discontent from Sharon's performance.

The Israeli commentator Shemi Shalif in the Israeli daily Maareve said that the majority of the Israelis are not pleased with Sharon's performance. This drop in support for the first time since the elections of February 2001 is because Sharon failed in carrying out his promises in halting the Intifada and guaranteeing what is called the security of Israel.