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Israel to keep large West Bank outpost
 Israel will hold onto the largest West Bank settlement forever and will build homes to connect it to Jerusalem "at the appropriate time," Vice Premier Ehud Olmert said. Israel's current pullout from the Gaza Strip - which is slated to be completed by mid-September - has raised hopes among Palestinians that further land concessions will follow. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said Israel will evacuate some West Bank settlements in a final peace deal, but has insisted that the largest settlement blocs will remain in Israeli hands. The United States has repeatedly stated its opposition to settlement construction, which violates an international peace plan known as the "road map." The plan outlines the establishment of a Palestinian state.Posted by: Fred 2005-09-02 |
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