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Israel to Ask U.S. to Slow Down, Soften Benchmarks Initiative

[Ha'aretz] Aluf Benn and Shmuel Rosner - Israel is expected to give its official response to the U.S. benchmarks plan before Prime Minister Olmert's meeting with President Bush later this month, proposing that the administration delay the recommended implementation for the plan, and asking that the lifting of roadblocks be subject to Israel's security considerations. The American document calls on Israel to remove many West Bank roadblocks and improve operations at Gaza's border crossings. Despite the American demands, there are steps Israel will not take until the situation radically improves, such as lifting the Hawara checkpoint at the entrance to Nablus. "Lifting Hawara would mean that a suicide bomber could get from Nablus to Jerusalem undisturbed," diplomatic sources explained.
2007-06-04 01:00:00
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