WASHINGTON, (voa) – Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is rushing back to Israel to convene his full cabinet after talks in Washington with President Bush.
Israeli officials say Mr. Sharon will meet with government leaders Monday to decide on a response following the latest Palestinian militant attacks.
Israeli television quotes Mr. Sharon as blaming Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for failing to control Palestinian extremists. Mr. Sharon is also quoted as saying he doesn’t expect Mr. Arafat will be able to rein the extremists and that Israel will act against terror.
Following a brief meeting with Mr. Sharon at the White House Sunday, President Bush condemned the Palestinian suicide bombings as “horrific acts of murder.” The Israeli leader made no comments, either before or after the meeting.
Mr. Bush said Mr. Arafat must do everything in his power to find those responsible for the bombings and bring them to justice.
Earlier Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said now is what he termed a “moment of truth” for Mr. Arafat to take action to stop terrorism against Israel. Mr. Powell told CBS television it is absolutely necessary for Mr. Arafat to take action to end the violence.
Mr. Powell said he spoke to Mr. Arafat on Saturday evening to convey this message and to tell him that the bombings are not only attacks on Israel, but are also attacks against Mr. Arafat’s authority.
