US challenges Israel over fence

Israel says the fence is meant to prevent suicide bombings

The United States has told the Israelis that a controversial barrier they are building through the West Bank is inconsistent with US goals in the region.

US national security adviser Condoleezza Rice urged Israel to minimize the impact of the fence on Palestinians and the peace process.

She was speaking after talks in Washington with an Israeli delegation led by Dov Weisglass, a senior aide to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Israel says the barrier is designed to prevent Palestinian militants from carrying out attacks on its territory.

Guide to the route and structure of the West Bank barrier

At-a-glance

Mr Sharon's cabinet is expected to make a final decision on the route in a week's time.

"We understand that they (the Israelis) have some security concerns," Ms Rice said on Monday.

But she added: "It is extremely important, if it (the barrier) is going to be built, that it... not intrude on the lives of the Palestinians".

Most importantly, she added, the fence should not be seen as an attempt to "pre-judge the outcome of a peace agreement".

Some US officials have said it could pre-empt negotiations by creating a de facto border and annexing more Palestinian land.

'Berlin wall'

The Palestinians describe the fence as a new "Berlin Wall".

President Bush has called it "a problem" and his administration is considering whether to penalise Israel over the issue.

Defenders of the barrier say it is necessary to prevent attacks on Israelis, adding that it is not intended to influence negotiations on boundaries.

Plans for its route are said to include many Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

One of the main sticking points is Ariel, a large settlement in the northern West Bank which, if it were included, would include a large chunk of territory along with it.