Sharon orders release of militants before meeting with Bush

ISRAEL’S Cabinet voted yesterday to release up to 100 Islamic militants, a goodwill gesture toward the Palestinians ahead of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s trip to Washington this week.

Ministers voted 14-9 to authorise the release, reversing government opposition to freeing members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, groups that have killed hundreds of Israelis in shootings and suicide bombings.

Government spokesman Avi Pazner said the vote was intended to bolster Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, who has been criticised by Palestinians for failing to get concessions from Israel during negotiations on the US-backed "road map" peace plan.