[AP/International Herald Tribune] Vice Premier Haim Ramon told Israel Army Radio Tuesday that almost all building activity in the West Bank is taking place in "settlement blocs that we want in the end of the process to see as part of Israel." "There is no doubt that the Palestinians understand that in the end of the peace process, the settlement blocs will be under Israeli sovereignty in return for an exchange of territory," Ramon said. Israel says the U.S. supports its position on retaining settlement blocs, pointing to a 2004 letter in which U.S. President George W. Bush said a final peace deal would have to recognize new realities on the ground. Ramon also said Israel should take further economic sanctions to undermine Hamas in Gaza. "We're only at the beginning," he said.
2007-12-19 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive