Israel to begin extending its West Bank barrier

Quds City, May 16, SPA -- Israel plans by end-May to start
extending its West Bank separation barrier around its
largest settlement bloc, government and security officials said.
The new segment would put the Maaleh Adumim settlement,
with more than 30,000 residents, on the "Israeli" side of
the barrier. Israel's Cabinet approved the Maaleh Adumim
loop in February, but didn't announce a date for the start
of construction, The Associated Press reported.
Israel wants to begin building the Maaleh Adumim portion
before withdrawing from the Gaza Strip this summer, the
officials said on condition of anonymity.