Israel pledges to invest millions in West Bank

ISRAEL will invest hundreds of millions of euro in West Bank settlements even as it pulls out of the Gaza Strip and a few other settlements, Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has proposed removing all settlements in Gaza, as well as four in the West Bank, and rapidly completing a separation barrier Israel is building in the West Bank.

Palestinians fear the move will strengthen Israel's hold over the rest of the West Bank, which it wants as part of a future state.