The unilateral disengagement from the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank is the most important plan for Israel, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday evening.

Sharon outlined the advantages of the disengagement plan at his Likud party's convention, local newspaper Jerusalem Post reported on its website.

"What does this plan give Israel? Firstly, it maintains a central tenet of this government that no diplomatic process will be held with the Palestinians until the destruction of their terrorist infrastructure as demanded in the roadmap; until they have carried out their obligations according to this plan," Sharon said.

Secondly, it can gain an American commitment not to apply pressure on Israel to adopt any other diplomatic plan other than the road map, he said, adding a recognition by the US that no negotiations will be held with the Palestinians until they carry out their obligations under the roadmap.

Meanwhile, the plan can also give a clear US recognition of Israel's right to secure and defensible borders and self-defense in every place, including areas we withdraw from, he added.

"We have received a US commitment that there will be no return of Palestinian refugees to Israel," Sharon reminded his audience.

"This is something we have not heard for the 56 years of Israel's existence. We have a US commitment that there will not be a return to 1967 borders for two main reasons: Israeli settlement blocs and the application of the term 'defendable borders'," Sharon stressed.