Israel to speed up barrier work

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has promised to speed up building the controversial security barrier separating Israel from Palestinian areas in the West Bank.

Opening the winter session of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Mr Sharon said the fence, including the areas around Jerusalem, would be finished in a year.

Fighting to make himself heard above the heckling of the MPs, Mr Sharon spoke of a breakthrough in the peace efforts in the coming months, without specifying.

But at the same time, Israeli forces would continue to confront Palestinian "terrorism", the prime minister said hours after a series of Israeli air strikes on Gaza City left at least three Palestinians dead and 24 others wounded.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3208286.stm

The reason for this is to create more "facts on the ground" during the window of opportunity provided by Bush's lack of initiative during the re-election campaign.

Ariel Sharon, "Man of peace" (all rights reserved by mr Bush)

So, excuse my French, but fat-boy is just talking shit.