RAMALLAH, West Bank, July 15, SPA -- The West Bank economy could post its strongest performance in years in 2009, but only if Israel broadens recent efforts to ease restrictions onPalestinian trade and movement, the International MonetaryFund said Wednesday, offering a rare upbeat assessmentafter years of downturn. The growth, projected to be as high as 7 percent, couldfurther stabilize the West Bank, bolster U.S.-led peaceefforts and ease the financial burden on the internationalcommunity. Donor countries spent some $1.8 billion in 2008alone to cover the Palestinian government's deficit, inpart to make up for a stagnant economy. Donor countries have repeatedly urged Israel to scale backa series of restrictions. They include military checkpoints, a massive West Bank separation barrier, cumbersome inspections of Palestinian cargo at crossings into Israel and Jordan and the two-year closure of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. In recent weeks, Israel recently eased restrictions, suchas removing some major West Bank checkpoints, as part ofPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer of «economicpeace» to the Palestinians, according to a report of The Associated Press.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/684598