Barrier may be moved closer to Israel

PRIME MINISTER Ariel Sharon and key Cabinet ministers yesterday considered proposals to move sections of a contentious West Bank security barrier closer to Israel, apparently hoping to deflect growing international criticism.

The Cabinet debate was part of preparations for a hearing next month before the International Court of Justice at The Hague on the legality of the barrier. The Palestinians say the barrier, which disrupts the lives of thousands of people, is an Israeli bid to grab more land.

They demand construction be stopped and sections already built be demolished. Israel says it needs the divider to keep out Palestinian militants who have killed hundreds of Israelis in 39 months of fighting.