US envoys to push for changes to West Bank barrier

The United States is sending envoys this week to push Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for changes in Israel's West Bank barrier and help decide whether to back his plan to uproot Gaza settlements.

Word of the new US diplomatic mission followed Israel's announcement last week that it would not attend a World Court hearing on whether it should tear down the barrier, which cuts into territory Palestinians want for a state.

Israel says the network of metal fences and concrete walls is meant to stop suicide bombers and has already thwarted dozens of attacks.