CYCLE OF VIRTUE:

Israel halts West Bank expansion plans (KARIN LAUB, 9/02/05, Associated Press)

Israel has frozen plans to expand its largest West Bank settlement and will only revive the project with U.S. consent, Israel's vice premier said in remarks published Friday, addressing an explosive issue that could determine the future of disputed Jerusalem and Mideast peacemaking.

Expanding Maaleh Adumim settlement would cut off east Jerusalem from its West Bank hinterland, making it virtually impossible for the Palestinians to establish a capital in that part of the city.

Previous rounds of Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed have erupted over Jerusalem, home to shrines sacred in both Judaism and Islam.

Palestinian officials on Friday welcomed the comments by Israeli Vice Premier Ehud Olmert, but said they have not been formally notified of a decision to suspend the expansion. The chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, urged Israel to call off the construction altogether.

The United States has asked Israel not to expand West Bank settlements, in line with its commitment under the internationally backed "road map" peace plan.

The edge of the map nears...

Posted by Orrin Judd at September 2, 2005 1:13 PM