Barrier rerouted

ISRAEL’S cabinet voted yesterday to modify the route of its contentious West Bank separation barrier to put thousands of Palestinians on the “Palestinian” side of the enclosure.

The Palestinians, who live in the area of the Jewish settlement of Ariel, were slated in the original proposal to be included on the “Israeli” side of the barrier, Israeli officials said.

Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he wants the barrier concluded by year end.

The cabinet also approved a plan to erect a temporary security barrier around Jerusalem to protect Israelis in areas where the permanent barrier has not been completed.

Palestinians said it would make life tougher for thousands of

Israel says the barrier, which dips into the West Bank at several points, is to prevent suicide bombers entering the country.

The barrier will stretch 730 kilometres when complete. Thus far, Israel has constructed about 360 kms.