Israel approves changes in route of security barrier
By: Israel Insider staff and partners
Published: April 30, 2006
Israel's Cabinet on Sunday voted to modify the route of its security barrier to put thousands of Palestinians on the "Palestinian" side of the enclosure, officials said.
The Palestinians, who live in the area of the Jewish settlement of Ariel, were slated in the original proposal to be included on the "Israeli" side of the security fence, officials said.
Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said recently he wants the barrier concluded by the end of the year.
Olmert decided last week to erect a temporary security barrier around Jerusalem to protect Israelis in areas where the permanent barrier has not yet been completed. Israeli left-wing organizations accused him of trying to bypass the Supreme Court, where dozens of Palestinian petitions against the barrier are pending.
Israel says the security barrier, is meant to provide security by preventing suicide bombers from entering the country. Palestinians call it a land grab. The barrier will stretch 760 kilometers (460 miles) when it is completed. Thus far, Israel has constructed about 380 kilometers (230 miles).
AP contributed to this report.
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