'Sharon approves puillback plan'

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 18 (UPI) -- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has approved elements of a defense establishment plan for a partial disengagement in the Gaza Strip.

Maariv quoted Sharon as having told defense chiefs: "I understand the defense establishment recommends a partial disengagement (from the Gaza Strip). I support the proposal and will bring it before the cabinet."

He nevertheless asked them to prepare a plan for a total disengagement, should it be warranted, the newspaper added.

At the moment Israel intends to hold on the narrow wedge separating Egypt and the Palestinian area, a well-placed source told UPI. That might change should the Egyptians, or the Palestinian Authority, assume effective control.

Apparently there is no decision on the fate of three settlements in the northern tip of the Gaza Strip.

A limited withdrawal in the West Bank is likely to be discussed next week when National Security Council head Giora Eiland and Sharon bureau head Dov Weissglas seek Washington's backing for the plans.