Yesha denies secret convergence deal with Olmert

Settler leaders have reportedly been conducting talks with the government in an attempt to strike a secret deal whereby illegally constructed outposts and settlements would be dismantled in exchange for a guarantee of the future of the large, legal settlement blocks. The talks were first reported by Yediot Aharonot, though they were denied by the Council of Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha). The Council's representatives said that the idea was raised as an option during their meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's representatives, but was immediately rejected by the settlers' leaders, Army Radio reported.