Why Did Israel Leave Gaza ?

If you have any interest in this issue you must read this article in full.

On the eve of the unilateral Gaza withdrawal, Ariel Sharon explained his action to the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot: “I`ve reached a deal with the Americans. I prefer a deal with the Americans to a deal with the Arabs.”

What, exactly, was that deal? What did Israel receive for its disengagement plan? And what – since Israel has now carried out its end of the bargain – does the United States owe Israel?