On 20 July 2004, Sharon called on to emigrate from France to Israel immediately, in light of an increase in 94 antisemitic assaults were reported in the first six months of 2004, compared to 47 in 2003.
It was a total about-face for one of Israel's greatest right-wingers.
Tensions between the two generals followed Sharon's decision, but a later found his action was militarily effective.