Israel rejects Bush’s criticism of new barrier

ISRAEL responded defiantly yesterday to unusually sharp criticism by US President George W Bush of a barrier it is building through Palestinian areas in the West Bank.

Israeli Vice Premier Ehud Olmert said the barrier, a measure Israel contends is necessary to stop suicide bombers and which the Palestinians condemn as a land grab, would remain an option.

“Israel will always have the right to take unilateral steps for separation from the Palestinians through a fence or other means,” Olmert told Israel Radio.