By Ramit Plushnick-Masti
Jerusalem - The Israeli army envisions a "remote control" border for the Gaza Strip after a troop withdrawal, including unmanned patrol cars and computerised observation posts that would automatically spot and kill attackers, a military official said on Friday.
The technology already exists, but the plan hasn't been approved yet, and fallback options are also being considered, the official said on condition of anonymity.
Also on Friday, Yasser Arafat was quoted as saying he "definitely" understands that Israel must retain its Jewish character - a rare acknowledgment by the Palestinian leader. However, Arafat was evasive when asked by the Haaretz daily about the fate of more than four million Palestinian refugees and their descendants.
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'Arafat suggested that many refugees could settle in a future Palestinian state' In peace talks, the Palestinians have insisted that Israel recognise the refugees' "right of return". Israel refuses, saying a mass influx of Palestinians will undermine the Jewish character of the state. The dispute has contributed to the collapse of negotiations in the past.
In the interview with Haaretz, Arafat suggested that many refugees could settle in a future Palestinian state, but refused to say how many should be allowed into Israel.
The resumption of negotiations on a final peace deal appears remote, with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon forging ahead with his plan of "unilateral disengagement" from the Palestinians.
As part of the plan, Israel would withdraw from Gaza and four small West Bank settlements by the end of September 2005. Israel would also expand large West Bank settlements it intends to keep and complete construction of a West Bank separation barrier that would become the border until a final peace deal is reached.
Military officials said Sharon expects the military to present a detailed plan for the Gaza withdrawal by July.
'The technology exists, but it the plan hasn't been approved yet'
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