The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously yesterday to endorse the Road Map plan "towards a permanent, two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Israel, in response, reiterated that it has already accepted the plan - together with 14 reservations that the UN did not note. The Israeli Government statement, issued today by the Prime Minister's Media Advisor, also emphasized that it would not accept the third-party arbitration of any element other than the United States.
Following yesterday's strong statements by Bush against current Israeli policies - he called for an immediate halt to "settlement construction," wall/fence building, and "daily humiliation of Palestinians" - the Prime Minister's Office insisted that relations between Jerusalem and the White House remain strong. Prime Minister Sharon said that he enjoys a good personal relationship with the U.S. president and that concerns in light of Mr. Bush's remarks are uncalled for. Some observers said that Bush was merely fulfilling a promise to Blair to take a tougher stance against Israel.
Following yesterday's strong statements by Bush against current Israeli policies - he called for an immediate halt to "settlement construction," wall/fence building, and "daily humiliation of Palestinians" - the Prime Minister's Office insisted that relations between Jerusalem and the White House remain strong. Prime Minister Sharon said that he enjoys a good personal relationship with the U.S. president and that concerns in light of Mr. Bush's remarks are uncalled for. Some observers said that Bush was merely fulfilling a promise to Blair to take a tougher stance against Israel.