Report: Sharon proposes settlement deal

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wants to dismantle seven settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with the consent of settler leaders, Israel radio reported today.

In exchange, the government would guarantee that no more settlements will be dismantled ahead of a final peace deal with the Palestinians.

Israel Radio said the proposal was made by Avigdor Yitzhaki, a senior official in Sharon’s office, in a meeting with settler leaders.

The report said the settlements earmarked for possible evacuation are Ganim, Kadim, Sanur and Homesh in the West Bank and Netzarim, Kfar Darom and Morag in the Gaza Strip.

A settler leader said that in exchange, the government would guarantee that no more settlements will be dismantled until there is a final peace deal with the Palestinians.

But Shaul Goldstein, deputy chairman of the Settlers’ Council, said settler leaders rejected the proposal, which he said was presented by a senior official from the prime minister’s office yesterday.