President Clinton has urged Israelis to support the prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, following the new peace agreement he's signed with the Palestinians.Speaking during a visit to Los Angeles, Mr Clinton said Mr Netanyahu had taken significant risks given the nature of his political support.

The prime minister's coalition has only a one-seat majority in parliament, and hardliners have accused him of treason and surrender in signing the new agreement.

But President Clinton said the deal would increase the security of Israelis, as well as giving land and economic opportunity to the Palestinians.

Earlier, in his weekly radio address, Mr Clinton said keeping the peace process on track would require continued courage by both sides.

He said the United States would carry on offering its support.