Israel has been accused of promoting racial segregation by introducing 'Palestinian-only buses' from today after complaints were apparently made by settlers that mixed buses are a security risk.

The Transport Ministry said the two new bus lines, which will run between the occupied West Bank and Israel, is an improvement in the service but rights groups described the move as racist.

The left-wing Haaretz daily newspaper reported the ministry opened the lines after Jewish settlers complained of the dangers of having Palestinians on regular buses.

The buses, operated by the Afikim company, have been introduced for the thousands of Palestinians who travel between the West Bank and Israel for work.

Jessica Montell, director of the B'Tselem rights group, said on Army Radio: 'Creating separate bus lines for Israeli Jews and Palestinians is a revolting plan.