Israeli Defence Minister threatens to resign

In another development, the Israeli Defence Minister, Yitzhak Mordechai, has threatened to resign within three months if Israel does not withdraw from more West Bank land.

Mr Mordechai told an Israeli televsion it was important for all parties to make progress in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.

Last week, David Levy resigned from his post as Foreign Minister in protest at the government's economic policy and its handling of the peace process.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service