The Israeli parliament easily passed Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s contentious plan to pull out of Gaza and part of the West Bank, approving compensation of hundreds of thousands of shekels to families of settlers to be evacuated.

In a sign of the fierce opposition that could accompany Israel’s planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, a Jewish settler leader has made a public call for his followers to break the law when fighting against the evacuation.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wants to dismantle seven settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with the consent of settler leaders, Israel radio reported today.

Hundreds of Jewish settlers today prepared to oppose Israeli soldiers and police intent on dismantling their homes.