Quds city, Sept 14, SPA -- Israel's Security Cabinet on Tuesday approved the payment of cash advances to Jewish settlers who will be removed from their homes as part of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, ministers said. The plan was approved by a vote of 9-1, said the ministers, speaking on condition of anonymity. Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev of the pro-settlement National Religious Party cast the dissenting vote. Officials have said the advances will be up to one-third of the total compensation packages, which are expected to be about US$200,000 to US$500,000 per family. Compensation will be based on factors such as the size of a family's home, the value of lost properties, and the amount of time spent living in settlements. The Security Cabinet is a group of senior ministers.
