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Israel: Election Issues

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February 5, 2001 

UNDATED-- (AP) -A brief look at the main issues in Israel's election Tuesday for prime minister:

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PEACE PROCESS - Barak has promised to forge ahead in negotiations with the Palestinians in the hope of reaching a final peace agreement ending decades of conflict. He has offered the Palestinians about 95 percent of the West Bank and all of the Gaza Strip and chunks of disputed east Jerusalem. Sharon has not detailed his plans, but has indicated he does not intend to transfer territory to the Palestinians beyond what they already control - about 42 percent of the West Bank, plus most of the Gaza Strip. He believes an interim deal is possible, but says a final agreement is years away.

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VIOLENCE - Barak has said he will not let four months of fighting with the Palestinians deter peace negotiations, although he has called temporary breaks in talks until after the election. Sharon has said he will demand a complete stop to Palestinian attacks before resuming talks. More than 380 people have been killed, including almost 50 Israeli Jews.

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RELIGIOUS CONTROL - Sharon has agreed to leave in place the effective military exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews studying at religious seminaries. Barak has said he will pursue a "civil revolution," that will end religious control of many aspects of life. That would include allowing public transportation and the opening of some businesses on the Jewish Sabbath.