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U.S.: Gaza Plan - Yes, Expanding W. Bank Settlements - No

(Ha'aretz) Aluf Benn - The U.S. will not oppose evacuation of Gaza Strip settlements, but will not allow Israel to expand West Bank settlements concurrently. American officials have said in recent days that the U.S. administration is not in favor of transferring Gaza settlers to the West Bank. The administration is not prepared to give up on the road map and to replace it with Sharon's unilateral plan. Sources in Sharon's bureau have said in recent days that the Gaza evacuation will probably include dismantling fewer than the 17 settlements mentioned last week. One Jerusalem source said Sharon may suggest initially evacuating isolated settlements and leave the evacuation of Gush Katif for a later phase, depending on what Israel receives in return from the U.S. Sources say national security adviser Giora Eiland will suggest to Sharon four options for evacuating settlements under the disengagement plan; the broadest option includes evacuating most Gaza settlements and some West Bank settlements. Israel is not considering withdrawing from the Jordan Valley under any circumstances.
2004-02-09 00:00:00
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