Israel is preparing to remove some of the roadblocks and checkpoints that restrict Palestinian travel in the West Bank as a gesture to Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, officials said on Monday.

Security sources said a list of barriers and restrictions was being compiled to be presented to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak for final approval.

"The urgency is clear to everybody. These measures should be taken soon," a senior source said on condition of anonymity.

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After removing some of the travel restrictions, Israel would then consider transferring responsibility for some West Bank enclaves to Abbas and his security forces, officials said.

It is unclear how many of the estimated 500 West Bank roadblocks, checkpoints and other barriers would be removed or relocated under the plan being drawn up. Officials said the changes would be carried out in stages, beginning within weeks.

Since Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip last month, Israel has taken some initial steps - from handing over frozen Palestinian tax funds to freeing more than 250 Palestinian prisoners - to try to bolster Abbas and the Western-backed government he formed in the West Bank after dismissing Hamas.

Olmert and Abbas are expected to meet next week, most likely in the West Bank city of Jericho. Officials said Olmert was prepared to discuss borders and other core issues in "general terms" that could lead to an "agreement of principles" for establishing a Palestinian state.

PA Information Minister Riyad al-Malki said Abbas had recently presented Israel with a new list of prisoners that he wants released. He said Abbas was focused on freeing prisoners with long sentences and leaders like Marwan Barghouthi, the jailed Fatah uprising leader seen as a possible successor to Abbas.

Previously announced roadblock removals were either never carried out or quickly reversed by the government. In recent weeks, Palestinians have seen an increase, rather than a decrease, in travel restrictions in parts of the West Bank.

"The defense establishment's position is that some adjustments or steps in order to ease the daily life of the Palestinians in the West Bank should be taken," a defence source said. But the source added, "The prime concern is (Israeli) security. That is the first and foremost consideration."