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The following are some of the main issues in the Israeli parliamentary elections which is being held today: West Bank colonies Some call the vote a referendum on the plan of interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his centrist Kadima party to dismantle isolated Jewish colonies in the occupied West Bank as a way of breaking from conflict with the Palestinians. Olmert aims to impose Israel's final borders by 2010 if a Hamas Palestinian government does not recognise Israel and disarm to allow peace talks. Most Israelis back more pullouts following last year's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Colonists are bitterly opposed to giving up land and are trying to rally voters around right-wing parties, such as the Likud. Olmert has said uprooted colonists would be moved to major colony blocs that Israel would keep.
Palestinians condemn Olmert's unilateral plan, saying it would not foster peace and that the retention of major colony blocs would deny them a viable state. Hamas: No mainstream party advocates talking with Hamas. Olmert has said he would give Hamas a "reasonable" amount of time to reform and embrace interim peace agreements before he moves on his unilateral plans. Not dealing with a Hamas government would probably suit many Israeli voters, disappointed with left-wing visions of peace as well as right-wing determination to keep all occupied land at any cost. Iran Many Israelis see Iran as the country's biggest security threat because of its nuclear programme. Israel has not ruled out a military strike but says it prefers to see US-led diplomatic pressure on Iran run its course.
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