Israeli ministers defer Gaza pullout decision

Israeli cabinet ministers have deferred a decision on whether to delay a withdrawal from Gaza by three weeks to avoid clashing…

Israeli cabinet ministers have deferred a decision on whether to delay a withdrawal from Gaza by three weeks to avoid clashing with a Jewish mourning period.

Israel Radio reported the ministerial committee headed by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wanted to consult further with security commanders before making a decision.

Mr Sharon earlier indicated his intention to delay the pullout until August out of respect for a Jewish mourning period marking the destruction of two Biblical temples in Jerusalem.

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