US President George W Bush has urged visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon not to expand settlements in the West Bank and to dismantle any illegal outposts.
Hosting Mr Sharon at his ranch in Texas, President Bush also called on the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to support Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
At today’s meeting Mr Sharon reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the US-backed ‘road map’ for peace in the Middle East.
‘Regarding the unauthorized outposts, I wish to reiterate that Israel is a society governed by the rule of law. As such, I will fulfil my commitment to you, Mr President, to remove unauthorized outposts and settlements. Israel will also meet all its obligations under the road map,’ he told President Bush.
He added: ‘We would like the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state, a democratic state with territorial contiguity in Judea and Samaria, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.’
There was renewed violence in Gaza over the weekend, in spite of a ceasefire that was signed two months ago.
Mr Sharon expressed outrage at Palestinian militants who fired more than 70 mortar shells at Israeli positions in the Gaza Strip at the weekend. It was the most serious incident in Gaza since the two sides declared the ceasefire.
The attacks followed the killing of three Palestinian youths by Israeli troops in the territory.
