Sharon ponders unilateral “deal”
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon yesterday said he may move several unnamed Jewish settlements in line with a unilateral plan to impose a border in the West Bank.
Palestinians said without prior consultation, the plan would fail to secure peace and called on Israel to return to the negotiating table.
Palestinian Cabinet Minister Saeb Erekat said: “The occupation is unilateral, the wall is unilateral, the settlements are unilateral … unilateral will not lead to peace between Palestinians and Israelis.”
Mr Sharon made his remarks to members of the Knesset’s Defence and Foreign Affairs committee in a closed hearing.
Analysts said it was a ploy to garner public support ahead of a possible West Bank withdrawal.
Mr Sharon prevaricated previously on stating categorically that he would evacuate West Bank settlements.
Mr Sharon said yesterday he was committed to the US-backed “road map’ for peace in the Middle East, which prepares the way for a Palestinian state by 2005.
But Mr Sharon warned the road map could be modified under his own plan. “I myself am at this time putting together a series of ideas, perhaps a new program, the same program perhaps that everyone is talking about.”
