Israeli parliament approves Sharon withdrawal plan

The Israeli parliament gave final approval tonight to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.

In a 59 to 40 vote, the Knesset approved a bill to compensate the 9,000 settlers who will be affected by the withdrawal. Passage of the bill, which had been expected, marked the final legislative approval required before the plan can be implemented in the summer.