Israel to shorten W. Bank barrier

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has given instructions to cut 170 kilometres from the route of Israel's controversial barrier being built inside the West Bank, a senior political source said yesterday.

Israel has faced international criticism over the original 720-kilometre route of the barrier of wire and concrete looping deep into the West Bank. Israel says it keeps out suicide bombers, Palestinians call it a land grab. The source said Mr Sharon had given instructions to the Defence Ministry, which is building the barrier, but that any changes to the route would still face government approval.

Mr Sharon's office said the prime minister had asked for adjustments in the route of the fence to reduce friction with Palestinians, but could give no figures for any changes to the route.