Israel plans to challenge officially the World Court's right to rule on whether it should tear down a huge barrier it is building in the West Bank, political sources said today.
It will send a letter to the International Court of Justice that also sets out its security arguments for the barrier, which cuts deep into land where Palestinians want a state, the sources said.
The decision came out of a strategy meeting today between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and top ministers, where possible changes to the route were also discussed with a view to making it easier to justify the barrier in court.
"For now the only decision was to send the letter," one senior source said. "There will be another meeting this month to decide whether Israel will send someone to the hearings."
Israel has so far given no sign it might boycott them.
The Jewish state says completed sections of the barrier of razor wire and concrete are already keeping out suicide bombers like those who killed hundreds during more than three years of conflict.
Palestinians call it an "Apartheid Wall", designed to loop around Jewish settlement blocs and seal a permanent hold on the land that Israel has occupied since 1967.
Even Israel's main ally, the United States, has criticised the route. The political sources said Sharon's cabinet chief would go to Washington this week to try to reach an understanding on some of the more controversial sections.
Israel has promised to take unilateral partition steps within months if there is no progress on a US-backed peace "road map" that is stalled by violence and foot-dragging. Such steps could make the barrier a de facto border.
Four Israelis were killed in a suicide bombing at a crossing from the Gaza Strip last week. The border was reopened for Palestinian workers on Sunday after Israel lifted a blanket ban imposed after the attack. More than 3,600 crossed.
Israel demands that the Palestinians crack down on militant groups to meet its promises under the road map.
But Israel has also done little so far to meet its commitments to remove unauthorised Jewish outposts, freeze settlement building and ease security restrictions.
Three more West Bank outposts were added at the weekend to a list of six already slated for removal, but none has yet been dismantled because of legal challenges.
Mr Sharon has said some isolated settlements will have to go, either under the road map or as part of his unilateral separation plan. Major-General Giora Eiland began work on Sunday at the head of the council meant to work out the details.