The
17-5 vote on Sunday marks the first time an Israeli government has
given the green light for the removal of settlements from occupied land
the Palestinians want for a state of their own.
The
decision in effect gives the 8000 settlers slated for evacuation
the five months notice Israel's attorney-general said was required
under law before they could be ordered to leave.
Earlier, Aljazeera correspondent Walid al-Umari reported
that Palestinians were concerned the withdrawal would include the
re-routing of the illegal separation wall built on land occupied by
Israel.
Palestinians believe
the separation wall should be set up - if necessary -
along the Green Line and not inside their lands, he said.
Opposition threat
The route change would keep some settlements under Israeli authority on Palestinian lands, particularly between Bethlehem and Hebron, al-Umari added.
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Settlers have vowed to resist the
removal of the settlements |
Sharon's plan to remove settlers has been called a possible step towards peace by both Israelis and Palestinians.
However, even after Sunday's cabinet approval, opponents could use a pending budget vote to bring down the government.
Sharon is still trying to rally allies to back the budget and if he fails by the end of March, new elections must be called.
Further cabinet votes would also be needed to approve specific settlement evacuations nearer the time.
Israeli media said about 6000 unarmed troops and police would be involved in removing each settlement.