Despite War, Olmert Pushes West Bank Withdrawal

With Israel's attention focused primarily on its battles with Hamas and Hezbollah, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Monday reminded his countrymen that he still intends to implement a sweeping withdrawal from the West Bank.

Speaking to evacuees from former Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post quoted Olmert as saying, "We will yet evacuate communities and it is important to me to complete this chapter as soon as possible so that we will be able to continue as a strong and united nation for the challenges that await us."

Olmert argues that quitting some 90 percent of the West Bank is essential to maintaining a Jewish majority in Israel for the foreseeable future.

But Israel's government opposition, led by Likud faction leader Binyamin Netanyahu, warns Olmert's "realignment" plan will lead to more of the same of what is going on in Gaza.

On Sunday Israel Security Agency head Yuval Diskin told the cabinet that the Gaza Strip is becoming another southern Lebanon due to the freedom of movement and arms smuggling opportunities enjoyed by terrorists based there following Israel's departure.