Jul 9, 11:28 AM (ET)
By LARA SUKHTIAN
JERUSALEM (AP) - The forced evacuation of Gaza Strip settlements will begin Aug. 17 and settlers who refuse to leave by then will lose out financially, a senior Israeli official said Saturday, giving a starting date for the first time.
Settler leaders have accused the government of trying to undercut resistance to the evacuation of Gaza's settlements and four in the West Bank with what they say are empty threats.
The senior official, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, said settlers who leave before the Aug. 17 deadline will get a better financial package, including special government grants and aid programs to help them resettle. However, he said all settlers are entitled to the same basic compensation, regardless of their departure date.

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