Olmert favors a concentrated, single internal crisis rather than drawn-out crises, since the plan involves significant political, economic and social costs, said the report.

    According to Olmert's assessment, the international support and recognition that Israel is likely to receive in return for a major move will be greater than what can be expected from a series of smaller steps, it added.

    Under the plan, Olmert intends to demarcate Israel's final borders with the Palestinians by 2010 by evacuating isolated settlements in the West Bank while keeping the major ones with or without peace talks with the Palestinian side.

    Prior to his visit to the United States in late May, Olmert rejected a detailed proposal put forward by Vice Premier Shimon Peres, in which the convergence plan will be carried out in six stages.

    According to Peres' proposal, the first stage includes the evacuation of two small settlements with small populations in the northern West Bank.

    This will allow Israel to leave a relatively large area to Palestinian control but at the same time enjoy significant international support, said Peres.

    The Israeli government has not formally discussed the speed of the withdrawals, but the issue is at the center of planning in the cabinet, Ha'aretz reported.

    Olmert has been a staunch supporter to the Israeli pullout of the Gaza Strip and four settlements in the northern West Bank last summer, an unprecedented move that won world applause.

    Olmert is scheduled to meet with leaders of Egypt, Jordan,Britain, France and Germany later this month in an effort to win support to his convergence plan. Enditem