Minister calls for delay in Gaza pullout

ISRAELI Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz yesterday recommended delaying Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the strongest indication yet that the summer pullout will be pushed back as Israel tries to prepare for the operation.

The recommendation, expected to win government approval, came as Israel and the Palestinians held their first talks on coordinating the pullout.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon insisted that despite the delay and strident settler opposition, the evacuation would be carried out.