The U.S. State Department is pressuring Israel to withdraw from the Abu Sneineh hills in Hevron, according to spokesman Richard Boucher. IDF forces now control this area, from where Arabs rained gunfire upon the Jewish neighborhoods below for the past few months. Ten-month-old Shalhevet Pass was murdered by such terrorist fire four months ago, and several others were wounded. No Palestinian bullets have been shot towards the Jewish homes since the IDF took over the area six days ago, and at least eight terrorists have been killed during this period. Despite this, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell called both Prime Minister Sharon and Foreign Minister Peres last night and requested/demanded that Israel leave the area. This was confirmed by State Department Richard Boucher today.
Powell also briefed Sharon on the American attack in Afghanistan, and the two spoke about the ongoing warfare in Israel. Sharon told Powell that the Palestinian terrorism has not stopped, and that Israel is taking all necessary measures to protect its citizens. Foreign Minister Peres\' office released a statement saying that in the conversation with Peres, Powell spoke in favor of continued Israeli-PA negotiations. Peres told the American official that the PA appears to be taking steps to stop the violence, but that these are not yet sufficient.
Powell also briefed Sharon on the American attack in Afghanistan, and the two spoke about the ongoing warfare in Israel. Sharon told Powell that the Palestinian terrorism has not stopped, and that Israel is taking all necessary measures to protect its citizens. Foreign Minister Peres\' office released a statement saying that in the conversation with Peres, Powell spoke in favor of continued Israeli-PA negotiations. Peres told the American official that the PA appears to be taking steps to stop the violence, but that these are not yet sufficient.