The removal of unauthorized 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 dismantling of the uninhabited outpost of Hazon David," the army said in a statement.

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.

Meanwhile AFP from Ramallah reported that Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qorei yesterday blamed Wednesday the lack of progress in his government's program since he took office on worsening security and economic conditions.

"The situation has remained the same since the government was formed. The (Israeli) siege, the aggression continue. The economic situation is deteriorating, the internal security situation is ... getting worse," he told the Palestinian parliament in a speech defending his government's performance.

Qorei also slammed the international community and especially the United States for its "blatant bias" towards Israel.

"All this is happening with the international community's complacency and the United States' blatant bias," he said.