News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) The Olmert administration has suggested trading land with the Palestinian Authority (PA) as part of a final status agreement, according to the Hebrew newspaper Ha'aretz. The proposal includes granting the PA safe passage from Gaza to Judea and Samaria, giving the PA control over the route while Israel would retain "sovereignty."

No specific areas to be exchanged were reported, and sources said details will be worked out after the principles of the plan are accepted. Minister Chaim Ramon is one of the prime leaders appointed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to formulate ideas and carry out negotiations with the PA.

The final borders beginning to take shape use the separation barrier as a general line of demarcation. Several Arab villages on the Israeli side of the barrier would be transferred to the PA, and representatives of Judaism, Islam and Christianity would administer the holy sites in Jerusalem, a deal that would end Israel's sovereignty over the capital.
   
The plan also recognizes the right of immigration of millions of Arabs living in foreign countries on condition that they live only in PA areas and not in Israel.