Israel approves plans to extend barrier
The Israeli cabinet has approved plans to extend the controversial security barrier which separates the West Bank from Israeli settlements.
The planned next phase of building for the fence has received heavy international criticism for jeopardising the delicate peace process and encroaching on Palestinian territory.
The United Nations has described the wall “an unlawful act of annexation”.
However, Ariel Sharon’s government argues that the building programme is essential to keep Palestinian suicide bombers out of Israeli towns and cities.
The Israeli Government has reportedly decided not to connect the new 45 kilometre (28 mile) fence to the existing barrier immediately, as a concession to the US.
The US is considering withholding loan guarantees to Israel to the value of the cost of any sections of wall the US considers unnecessary.
Earlier, the Israeli army detained a leading member of the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, Bassam Saadi, at a refugee camp in the West Bank town of Jenin.
Meanwhile, Palestinian prime minister-designate Ahmed Qurei has announced that he will present his new cabinet for parliamentary approval on Sunday or Monday.
