By Gideon Alon and Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondents, and Haaretz Service

A Foreign Ministry report revealed that in the period immediately following Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, 10 Arab countries will open embassies in Israel and establish full relations. Remarks in a similiar vein were made on Monday by Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom.

The ministry also believes, however, that relations between Israel and the Palestinians are liable to "explode" following disengagement when the Palestinian Authority demands immediate final status talks, Army Radio reported on Tuesday morning.

The report, prepared by the Foreign Ministry's policy research division, indicated the Palestinians would likely demand immediate negotiations over a final-status deal. Israel prefers first holding talks on an intermediate agreement.

The ministry believes the United States and Europe are likely to support the Palestinian demand for final status talks.

The radio reported there are now attempts to open secret channels between Israel and the PA in order to reach a final status deal.

Shalom: At least 10 Arab states will strengthen ties with us
Shalom believes that at least 10 additional Arab states will strengthen ties with Jerusalem in the wake of the decision by Jordan and Egypt to return their ambassadors to Israel.

Shalom met Monday with the new Jordanian ambassador, Marouf al-Bakhit.

Appearing before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday, the foreign minister told lawmakers that the international arena was pleased with the election of Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian Authority chairman, noting that 22 foreign ministers had visited Israel since that election.

He said Abbas' election had also led to a change in Europe's attitude toward Israel.

Shalom stressed that Abbas had yet to make a strategic decision to dismantle the terror infrastructures, and that until such a decision is made, "we will be in a pre-road map" state.

Shalom also said that Israel was making efforts, through other countries, to press Syria to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

Commenting on Hezbollah, the foreign minister said that the organization had invested $9 million in support for terror cells and terror activities