Channel 2: Barak, settlers have reached deal to evacuate 18 of 26 outposts

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Defense Minister Ehud Barak and settler leaders have reached an agreement for the evacuation of unauthorized outposts in the West Bank, Channel 2 reported Thursday evening. According to the accord, 18 of 26 outposts built since 2001 would be evacuated or relocated to nearby settlements. The remaining outposts would remain standing and receive authorization from the government. Settler would also agree not to construct new outposts. But Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was doubtful as to the prospects of such an agreement, the news report stated. A source close to Olmert said that such a move would be akin to "moving a stain from one side of a jacket to the other." The US would not agree to such a move, the source said.