Why did Ariel Sharon support building the security barrier in the West Bank?

Ariel Sharon’s support for the construction of the security barrier in the West Bank was driven primarily by his focus on the barrier's effectiveness in preventing terrorist incursions into Israel.1

Although Sharon was initially skeptical of the project, he prioritized its functional ability to enhance security over concerns regarding its popularity or legality. Following the onset of the second intifada, the barrier—a combination of walls and fences—was designed as a security measure to separate Israel and its settlements from Palestinian areas. Sharon maintained this position despite international criticism, including a ruling by the International Court of Justice that deemed parts of the barrier illegal, noting that terrorist attacks diminished after its erection.123