Gary Fitleberg, December 30, 2004

An Israeli Cabinet minister called for broadening upcoming Israeli withdrawals from the the territories of Judea & Samaria (wrongfully called "West Bank").

"Israel’s interest requires a disengagement on a wider scale than what will happen as part of the current disengagement plan," Trade Minister Ehud Olmert told the Jerusalem Post on Thursday, referring to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to remove all Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and four in the West Bank next year. "Israel will continue to progress by carrying out unilateral moves, including the possibility of further withdrawals that are in the interest of the state."

Sharon’s office rejected Olmert’s remarks in a statement, saying that there will be no disengagement beyond what has already been put forth and that there are no plans for a second disengagement. Olmert did not give details on what he proposed.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg