Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's security cabinet voted 9-1 Tuesday to approve a range of proposals governing evacuation and compensation of settlers under the so-called "disengagement" initiative.
The decisions could pave the way for advance payments in the upcoming days or weeks for Jewish settlers who state willingness to voluntarily relocate from the 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and four in the northern West Bank which are slated for removal under the so-called plan.
The lone dissenting vote was cast by Labor and Social Affairs Minister Z'vulun Orlev of the National Religious Party (NRP), which strongly opposes the "disengagement plan".
The proposals are based on recommendations of a panel appointed by Sharon and headed by the director-general of the Justice Ministry.
Compensation for settler families could total as much as $500,000 or more, with the advance payments amounting to a third of the total. Compensation will be based on factors such as the size of a family's home, the value of lost properties, and the amount of time spent living in settlements. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
