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Source: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/526034.html
Israel Seeks Partial U.S. Funding of High-Tech Security Fence Crossings
(Reuters/Ha'aretz) Israeli officials began briefing the U.S. administration and key congressional leaders this week on a proposal to help cover the costs of upgrading and setting up new crossing points along the separation fence. Israel is asking Washington to contribute an estimated $180 million, about 40% of the $450 million total cost, with Israel paying the rest. The high-tech terminals are designed to speed the inspection of Palestinian people and cargo in order to increase freedom of movement and economic growth in Palestinian areas. "In recent months, Israel and the (Bush) administration have been in ongoing conversations about the ways in which to strengthen the Palestinian economy and improve the humanitarian situation on the ground," an Israeli diplomat said. The Bush administration is assembling a new aid package for the Palestinians expected to total as much as $200 million to help bolster Abbas.