JERUSALEM, Feb. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wants to get the US approval to expand large West Bank settlements in exchange for the evacuation of most settlements in the Gaza Strip, local newspaper Ha'aretz reported Friday.

   The prime minister will present his plan to the Americans during an upcoming visit to Washington, the report added.

   Sharon stunned Jewish settlers and members of his own Likud party Monday by revealing that he had ordered plans to be drawn up for the evacuation of 17 of the 21 settlements that Israelis set up in the Gaza Strip.

   The settlers from the evacuated areas will be moved to Ma'aleh Adumim, Ariel and Gush Etzion settlement in the West Bank, according to the plan.

   Government sources in Jerusalem said that receiving US permission to strengthen the settlement blocs is one alternative being examined by National Security Council (NSC) Chairman Giora Eiland.

   Another option is formally annexing the settlement blocs, which would lead to Israeli law being imposed on them. Enditem