Israel's Vice Premier Shimon Peres said Tuesday he is going to Washington to seek U.S. financial aid for Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. 
Peres told Army Radio he will meet Vice President Cheney and other administration officials and ask them to assist with the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.
Peres, who leaves for the United States late Tuesday, refused to say how much money Israel is seeking. He did, however, say the money would also be used to develop the Galilee and Negev Desert. Israel wants to relocate Jewish settlers slated for evacuation to these areas and is offering extra compensation to those who agree to move to the peripheral regions.
An official close to the Bush administration said officials in Washington estimated Israel would request $500 million in aid.
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
