‘Iron Curtain’ to be extended

THE Israeli Cabinet yesterday approved an extension of a controversial security barrier — dubbed the ‘Iron Curtain’ by Palestinians — that would swing around Jewish settlements deep in the West Bank.

Large gaps will remain in the fence for now to address American concerns.

One stretch would be built east of Ariel with 18,000 residents the second largest settlement in the West Bank but would not immediately be connected to the main security fence which runs further west, closer to Israel, said Zalman Shoval, an adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.