Quds city, Feb 20, SPA -- Israel's Cabinet convened Sunday for two historic decisions that will shape the nation's future borders: final approval of a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in the summer and the inclusion of two large Jewish settlement blocs on the Israeli side of the West Bank separation barrier. The withdrawal plan and the barrier route were expected to win overwhelming approval, with the vote on Gaza apparently meant to soften the sting to the Palestinians of what is widely seen as the de facto annexation of a large chunk of the West Bank. Palestinian officials protested what they said is Israel's go-it-alone approach. "This really undermines efforts to revive a meaningful peace process," said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. "This Israeli government is dictating the outcome of the negotiations (on a final peace deal) before they begin." In Sunday's Cabinet meeting, the plan to dismantle 21 Jewish settlements in Gaza and four in the West Bank was to be approved by 17-5, sealing the political defeat of withdrawal opponents, including hardliners in Sharon's Likud Party. Opening Sunday's session, Sharon, a former settler patron, said he made the decision to dismantle settlements with a heavy heart. "It's not an easy day, it's not a happy day," he said. --SP 1329 Local Time 1029 GMT
