Sharon may delay withdrawal
2005-04-18 15:27
Jerusalem - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Monday said he was considering delaying Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza strip by three weeks after a top official said settlers shouldn't be moved during a Jewish mourning period that marks the destruction of the biblical temples.
The announcement came as government officials confirmed Israel was planning to build 50 new homes in a West Bank settlement, a week after US President George W Bush demanded a freeze on such construction.
Sharon told reporters that he would discuss the possible delay in the Gaza pullout, which is currently scheduled to begin in late July, at a meeting with top ministers on Tuesday.
Sharon stopped short of endorsing the change, but hinted he would support the delay out of respect for a three-week Jewish mourning period that culminates with Tisha B'Av, the date on the Jewish calendar marking the destruction of the biblical temples. Tisha B'av falls on August 14 this year.
"We have to take every step to make it easier for the settlers," Sharon said. "These are difficult days today."
The plan calls for removing 9 000 Israelis from all 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and four small settlements in the West Bank.
Under the proposed change, the start of the four-week operation would be bumped back to August 15 from July 25.
Yonatan Bassi, who heads the administration responsible for compensating and relocating settlers slated for evacuation, suggested the delay at a cabinet meeting on Sunday.
In the 20 days before Tisha B'Av, observant Jews don't shave, go to the beach, cut their hair, listen to music or get married, and many refrain from eating meat. Tisha B'Av itself is a fast day.
Until now, Sharon has refused calls to delay the pullout.
Military against change in timeline
Military officials involved in preparations for the operation said they opposed any change in the timeline.
The officials said they had worked out a tight schedule for the operation, and also feared giving Jewish extremists opposed to the pullout more time to prepare their resistance.
The military officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
Although military officials have said they are well prepared for the pullout, other aspects of the operation have been beset by confusion and red tape.
The government has yet to begin building temporary housing for the settlers slated for evacuation or determine where they will live, and only last week began paying compensation for displaced settlers.
- AP