“[Sharon’s] public approval ratings have been sliding. An opinion poll published this month by the Ma’ariv newspaper showed Sharon’s popularity at the lowest point since he was first elected prime minister, with 57 percent of the respondents saying they were dissatisfied with his performance. Only 34 percent said they were satisfied, while 9 percent said they had no opinion.” [requires login: jewschool/auntneck]

I would presume that this is an attempt to save face.