The Bush administration is not enthusiastic about Ariel Sharon's unilateral-withdrawal plan. In high-level meetings earlier this week, the Americans asked their Israeli counterparts to hold off on implementing the plan until at least November, when the American presidential elections are held. In fact, the Americans asked Israel not to take any unilateral steps at all without coordinating them with the Palestinian Authority, and possibly with Egypt as well. US Ambassador to Israel Dan Kurtzer even hinted at the lack of support within the Knesset for the plan; he told reporters that the US has not yet taken an official position on the plan "because we knew that Prime Minister Sharon has yet to present it before the Knesset for approval."
On the other hand, Gen. Giora Eiland, who is responsible for planning the withdrawal, ran a first-of-its-kind meeting today dealing with some of the practical aspects. Issues such as finding alternative locations for the nearly 8,000 residents to live were to be discussed. Housing Ministry Director-General Avi Maoz did not participate, at the behest of Housing Minister Effie Eitam (National Religious Party); Eitam says that the plan must first be approved - or rejected, according to his preference - by the Cabinet.
On the other hand, Gen. Giora Eiland, who is responsible for planning the withdrawal, ran a first-of-its-kind meeting today dealing with some of the practical aspects. Issues such as finding alternative locations for the nearly 8,000 residents to live were to be discussed. Housing Ministry Director-General Avi Maoz did not participate, at the behest of Housing Minister Effie Eitam (National Religious Party); Eitam says that the plan must first be approved - or rejected, according to his preference - by the Cabinet.