Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is providing more details of his plan for a unilateral disengagement from the Palestinians, a move he says could delay Palestinian statehood for many years.

In a series of interviews with Israeli media Monday, Mr. Sharon called the disengagement "good for Israel." He said the proposal includes the evacuation of Israel's 21 settlements in Gaza and four settlements in the occupied West Bank.

He says homes in those areas will not be destroyed. The Israeli prime minister said when the unilateral pullback is complete, Israeli forces would temporarily seal off Gaza.

Mr. Sharon also indicated that he was backing a way from a pledge to President Bush not to harm Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. He told Israel's Maariv newspaper Mr. Arafat "has no life insurance policy."

Last month, Israel killed the spiritual leader of the militant group Hamas, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. Mr. Sharon has since indicated that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah could also be a potential target.

Mr. Arafat denies Israel's charges that he is responsible for and supports militant attacks on Israelis.

Palestinian officials have said they would welcome any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, but allege that the unilateral pullback is part of an effort for Israel to establish a permanent grasp on the West Bank.

The United States says it is concerned by any attempt to impose a settlement to the conflict and that it wants a return to the internationally backed "road map" peace plan.

The political developments come as violence continues in Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli forces killed three Palestinians near the Jewish settlement, Netzarim. There was no immediate comment on the deaths from Palestinian militant organizations.

Also Sunday, Mr. Sharon verbally clashed with hard-line cabinet ministers unhappy with his disengagement plan.

Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AFP.