Israel considers extending security fence
Israel is reconsidering its stance on a pledge to curtail the building of the controversial security fence in the West Bank.
Israeli wants the fence extended to protect people in Jewish settlements against possible suicide bomb attacks by Palestinian extremists but the Bush administration has warned Israel against making a permanent fence separating the two peoples.
Palestinians are opposed to the construction of the fence, the new “Berlin Wall,” which now extends 100 miles, as they perceive it as a veiled plan to extend Israeli territory.
Under new proposals, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the fence would enter 20 miles into the northern section of the West Bank.
It would be built around two Jewish settlements – Ariel and Kedumim – in the West Bank.
The approval is due to come before Israeli ministers on Wednesday and is reported to have the consent of most of the cabinet.
John Dugard, a South African law professor and United Nations human rights investigator said extension of the barrier in the West Bank was “illegal” and an “unlawful act of annexation.”
