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Monday, October 29, 2001, updated at 16:43(GMT+8)
World  

Israeli Troops Complete Withdrawal From Bethlehem, Beit Jala

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) completed its withdrawal from the Palestinian-controlled West Bank cities of Bethlehem and Beit Jala earlier Monday morning, Israel Radio reported.

The cities have kept quiet under the control of Palestinian security forces, said the report.

The withdrawal started Sunday night after the Israeli inner security cabinet meeting authorized the army to "continue preparations" for the withdrawal, which was scheduled for Saturday night and later postponed.

The meeting, convened by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, discussed whether the withdrawal should be carried out in light of two shooting attacks Sunday in northern Israel, which left five Israelis dead and more than 40 injured, and how Israel should respond to the attacks.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer stressed that the IDF troops should be withdrawn from Bethlehem and Beit Jala despite of the attacks, because there was quiet in the areas during the day.

The IDF troops launched a massive military operations after the assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi on October 17 and reoccupied six Palestinian self-rule cities in the West Bank. At least 40 Palestinians were killed during the incursions.

The withdrawal from Bethlehem and Beit Jala was agreed upon at a trilateral security meeting between Israeli, Palestinian and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency officials on Friday.

Sharon May Postpone Visit to US

Hours after Israeli army completed its withdrawal early Monday from the Palestinian towns of Bethlehem and Beit Jala, reports said Prime Minister Ariel Sharon may postpone his planned visit to the United States.

Israel Radio reported Monday that Sharon, who is scheduled to visit the United States early next month, may delay the trip due to the security situation.

The U.S. administration had expected the prime minister to bring new proposals for promoting the Middle East peace process.

On his way to the United States, Sharon will also meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair, but Blair said Monday that he will come to Israel on Thursday to meet Sharon.

The Israel Defense Forces completed its withdrawal from the West Bank towns of Bethlehem and Beit Jala in the pre-dawn hours Monday, as an aide to Sharon signalled that the Palestinians had begun to " comply with their obligations."

Israel launched a massive military incursion into six Palestinian cities and towns in the West Bank following the assassination of its Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi on October 17.

Israel has come under strong international pressure to end its reoccupation of the Palestinian territory.

The withdrawal from Bethlehem and Beit Jala was agreed upon at a trilateral security meeting between Israeli, Palestinian and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency officials on Friday.







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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) completed its withdrawal from the Palestinian-controlled West Bank cities of Bethlehem and Beit Jala earlier Monday morning, Israel Radio reported.

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