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Barak Not to Change Settlement Policy: Statement
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said Tuesday morning that he had no intention to change the government's policy regarding the Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
"Prime Minister Barak had not approved any changes in the settlement policy. There is no truth in the reports on supposed permits to the vacated points, or to the expansion of existing settlement," a statement issued by the Defense Ministry said. Barak also holds the defense portfolio.
Israel has built more than 100 Jewish settlements in the Arab areas it occupied since the 1967 Mideast war and the dismantling of these settlements is a contentious issue between Israel and the Palestinians, who urged Barak to evacuate all settlements.
Barak has been under pressure from Jewish settler groups and right-wing politicians not to make any concessions on the settlements.
Israeli media said recently that Barak is planning to unilaterally carry out a "separation plan," in which some of the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories reportedly will be evacuated while most will be withheld.
"The Israel Defense Forces will know how to act to preserve the situation as was decided," the Defense Ministry statement said.
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