Israeli Cabinet leaning to keep settlers’ homes intact

A forum of senior Israeli ministers met Tuesday to discuss the fate of the homes left behind by settlers evacuated from the Gaza Strip.

The cabinet is expected to make a final decision on Sunday. Apparently, the majority of ministers, including Prime Minister Ariel Sharon are opposed to demolishing the structures.

Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leading the minority, which calls for destroying the left behind homes, so that the pullout is not perceived as a run away.

If the cabinet decide to let the structures stand, the disengagement plan may have to return to the Knesset for amendment and re-approval. The original bill approved by lawmakers call for destroying settlers’ homes.