Israeli soldiers have dismantled an uninhabited Jewish outpost near the West Bank city of Hebron, the first of a handful destined for removal ahead of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's visit to Washington.
The removal of unauthorised outposts - some uninhabited - is one of Israel's commitments under a U.S.-backed "road map" for peace with the Palestinians that has been stalled by violence and the failure of both sides to take promised steps.
The Hazon David outpost was dismantled after the Supreme Court lifted an injunction to prevent its removal.
"In accordance with the decision by the political level, Israeli military forces this morning completed the dismantlement of the uninhabited outpost of Hazon David," the Israeli army said in a statement today.
Soldiers arrived overnight to avoid clashes with settlers from the nearby Kiryat Arba settlement, who scuffled with them on Tuesday.
Sharon is due to visit Washington in mid-April, seeking approval for unilateral Israeli steps that would mean a pull out from the Gaza Strip. Palestinians would welcome any withdrawal but fear that Israel wants to strengthen its hold on parts of the West Bank where they also want a state.