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| By: Israel Insider staff |
| Published: August 12, 2007 |
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Sources close to Defense Minister Ehud Barak say that he does not support a withdrawal from the West Bank before the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system is finished. The Iron Dome, whose completion is expected in 3-5 years, is designed to protect Israel from Katyusha and Kassam attacks is in place in three to five years time.
"The defense minister remains committed to the diplomatic process, although his first commitment is to the security of Israel's citizens," a statement that Barak issued said.
Barak stressed that he wanted the country to have realistic expectations about diplomatic progress.
"Israelis have healthy intuition. They can't be fed more fantasies about an upcoming agreement with the Palestinians," he said, according to the report.
Government sources reiterated the defense minister's commitment to the country's security.
"He almost gave up the entire West Bank in the past, so he shouldn't become a hero to the Right, but he is realistic," a source said. "Before any withdrawal from more territory, the antirocket system will have to be in place."
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