Palestinians have expressed disappointment with the United States' plan for peace in the Middle East.
The Palestinian Minister for Information, Yasser Abdul Rabbo, said the plan offered too little too late.
However, Israel has said it shares President Bush's vision and would consider negotiating with the Palestinian Authority as soon as it had a prime minister willing to tackle terrorism.
The United States and Israel have long been pushing to sideline Yasser Arafat, whom they do not consider to be a viable partner for peace.
Israeli president, Moshe Katsav, today said that Mahmud Abbas, chosen by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to become prime minister, must prove himself by putting an end to 'terrorism.'
Mr Arafat agreed under huge international pressure to create the prime ministerial position, which should be filled by next week.
