Israel ‘to consult US on borders’
March 26, 2006
Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he will seek backing from the US and international community for his plans to create permanent borders.
Speaking two days before the elections, he said Israelis must first agree among themselves where the border should lie.
Mr Olmert’s campaign has centred on his plan to establish permanent borders.
He has in the past suggested making the controversial West Bank barrier - some of which is being built in occupied Palestinian territory - the border.
But it is hard to see Israel winning broad international support for borders that follow the current route of the barrier, the BBC’s Caroline Hawley in Jerusalem says.
Israel says the barrier is crucial for obstructing suicide bombers from the West Bank, while Palestinians claim it is a tool to grab land.
The UN has expressed concern at the barrier’s humanitarian impact.
via BBC.
