UN rebuke fails to stop wall building

JERUSALEM - Israel is vowing to press on with construction of its vast barrier cutting into Palestinian territory in the West Bank despite a United Nations resolution demanding it be torn down.

"The fence will continue being built and we will go on taking care of the security of Israel's citizens," said Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, reaffirming the position of Israel's right-leaning Government.

On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling the sprawling network of fences and walls a "contradiction to international law" and ordering Israel to "stop and reverse" its construction on Palestinian lands.

Olmert said the Israeli Government would defy what he called "the dictates of an automatic, hostile, inconsiderate and misguided [UN] majority that always acts against Israel".

Israel says it is a security fence to keep out suicide bombers. Palestinians call it a new "Berlin Wall" that cuts deep into territory they want for a state.

The United States has expressed misgivings about the project.

The UN resolution said the barrier could imperil efforts to reach a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Two days after deadly airstrikes in Gaza, Israeli forces killed three militants in the West Bank yesterday, including a local leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who vowed a "painful response with bombs and bullets".

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said: "The Israeli statement reflects an Israeli determination to continue violating international law and continue the path of occupation and settlement rather than peace and reconciliation."

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in an interview last week that Israel would complete the barrier - which will eventually run 350km - despite a US threat to reduce US$9 billion ($14.8 billion) in loan guarantees.

Washington is concerned the project prejudges borders that should be decided in negotiations.

- REUTERS