In response to Peres\' secret diplomatic plan, and reports that Prime Minister Sharon approved the talks, Sharon\'s office released an official statement dismissing both out of hand. \"The very raising of such a proposal is critically harmful to Israel,\" the statement said. \"The entire government decided that there would be no negotiations with the Palestinian Authority before wanted terrorists and their aides were arrested, illegal weapons were collected, and the terrorist infrastructures were dismantled.\"



The Yesha Council issued a statement saying that the only way for Sharon to dispel suspicions that he was a party to the plan would be for him to fire Peres.