Gov't may declare intention to evacuate outposts ahead of Bush's visit

Israel may declare its intention to evacuate several illegal outposts during US President George W. Bush's visit in the country two weeks from now.

Sources at the Prime Minister's Office and the Defense Minister's Office told Ynet that no such decision has been made so far, but officials involved in negotiations with settler leaders expressed optimism over the possibility such a move materializing in the near future.

Ynet has learned that government officials and the settler leaders have reached an understanding regarding the need for a goodwill gesture ahead of Bush's visit on January 9. According to the agreement, several outposts would be evacuated peacefully, as part of an attempt to reach a deal that would address the problem of all illegal outposts, 205 in number.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak have already given their blessing to the move, which will see to the removal of some five outposts, which are home to 50-60 settlers. These outposts are included on the list of 25 illegal settlements the Americans have been demanding of Israel to evacuate since Ariel Sharon's term in office as prime minister.

According to the agreement, some of the outposts will be removed completely, while other will be relocated into the settlement blocs Israel expects to keep in a final-status agreement with the Palestinians.

The Israeli gesture comes in view of American criticism over the ongoing Israeli construction in the West Bank and the country's failure to evacuate the 25 outposts agreed upon, which also spurred anger in the US administration.

The PMO said in response to the report: "No decisions have been made on the issue so far, and we sincerely doubt whether the move will be completed before Bush's visit."