Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has instructed the security establishment to start submitting requests for the deportation of terrorists' families to the Gaza Strip, signaling a shift in government policy, according to a report published by Israeli daily “The Jerusalem Post”.



Only family members of suicide bombers have previously been deported to Gaza in the last 29 months of violence. Sharon's instruction followed a suggestion by National Religious Party Effi Eitam to this effect.



Attorney-General Elyakim Rubinstein said "Palestinian family members of terrorists could be transferred from Judea and Samaria to the Gaza Strip under certain circumstances." The prime minister's instruction followed this announcement.