Israel Plans Remote-Control Border After a Withdrawal From Gaza Strip [View All]

[papau]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB3HXA9MVD.html

Israel Plans Remote-Control Border After a Withdrawal From Gaza Strip
By Ramit Plushnick-Masti Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM (AP) - The Israeli army envisions a "remote control" border with the Gaza Strip after a troop withdrawal, including unmanned patrol cars and computerized observation posts that would automatically spot and kill attackers, a military official said Friday.

The technology already exists, but the plan hasn't been approved yet, and fallback options are being considered, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Also 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 4 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants.

In peace talks, the Palestinians have insisted that Israel recognize 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. <snip>