More trouble for Israel barrier

In the latest sign of trouble for Israel’s contentious West Bank barrier, officials said today that construction of a large section will be significantly delayed because of a court ruling highlighting the hardships the structure has imposed on Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Israel announced plans for 500 new housing units in the West Bank, after an apparent US policy shift that has infuriated the Palestinians.

The Palestinians oppose all Jewish settlement in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, lands where they hope to establish an independent state.

The barrier and settlement construction are linked to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s “disengagement” plan to separate Israel from the Palestinians.

The plan includes a full withdrawal from Gaza next year. At the same time, Sharon wants to strengthen large blocs of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Sharon says the moves will boost Israel’s security and preserve its Jewish majority.

The barrier has suffered a string of legal setbacks in recent months, putting pressure on Israel to move the route closer to its 1967 frontier.

Dany Tirza, one of the barrier’s chief planners, told lawmakers today that Israel will make changes to 12 places along a roughly 60 mile stretch from the Jewish settlement of Elkana to Jerusalem.

He said the route in the 12 places would be moved toward the “Green Line,” the old frontier between Israel and the West Bank.

Despite the barrier controversy, Israel appears to be stepping up construction plans for West Bank settlements.

Officials confirmed plans for more than 500 new units in existing settlements - in addition to 1,000 units announced last week.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia accused Israel of escalating tensions.

“While it is talking about evacuating settlements in Gaza, it is expanding all settlements in the West Bank,” Qureia said. “This will not bring about stability nor will it bring peace.”