WASHINGTON (voa) – Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has cut short his visit to the United States and is heading back to Israel, following Tuesday’s suicide bombing south of Tel Aviv.
Before leaving Washington, Mr. Sharon vowed to keep up Israel’s campaign to stop Palestinian terrorist attacks. He said Israel will continue the battle against terrorism until, in his words, all those who believe they can make gains through the use of terrorism cease to exist.
He said Israel will not surrender to blackmail — adding that Israel will take pre-emptive action to kill those who would plan to kill Israelis. Without mentioning Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat by name, the Israeli Prime Minister said the attack is “proof of the true intentions” of those who lead the Palestinian Authority.
A senior U.S. official says President Bush expressed “disgust at the killing of innocent life” in the suicide bombing.
The attack occurred as the President and Mr. Sharon were holding talks at the While House.
After the meeting, Mr. Bush said he is sending Central Intelligence Agency Director George Tenet to the Mideast. However, aides later said the plan is being re-evaluated.
