Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told the Knesset (parliament) Monday that the construction of the separation fence between Israel and the West Bank will go on without any budgetary or political hindrance.

Addressing the opening meeting of the Knesset's winter session, Sharon said that Israel will complete the project as quickly as it can for it is part of the country's defense efforts.

"We have no intentions to impede the orderly life of Palestinians so long as the relative calm is maintained," he said.

"The last few days provided us with reminders of the region's dangers," he said, referring to a recent suicide bombing which killed five Israelis and a threat by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadenijad to "wipe Israel off the map."

The separation fence, which runs 650 km long after completion, is believed by Israel as vital to stop potential attackers from infiltrating into the country and Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

However, the Palestinians condemn the fence as an attempt to grab land and undermine viability of their promised state.

The UN International Court of Justice ruled last year that parts of the fence were illegal and should be torn down.

Israel has since modified the route of the fence, but the construction never stops.

Source: Xinhua