US supports Israeli retaliation

The US has come down in favour of the Israelis

The United States has defended the Israeli raids, in comments which seem to reflect a hardening of its stance towards the Palestinians.

Obviously Israel has the right to defend itself and the president understands that clearly

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters that Israel had a right to defend itself, and added that it was now up to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to show that he would act to stop suicide bomb attacks.

"This is a real opportunity for Chairman Arafat to show in actions, not words, that he stands for peace and that he will take action that is enduring and meaningful against the terrorists," he said.

The BBC's Jeremy Cooke says optimism seems to be fading on all sides, with events at the weekend going on even as America's initiative to gain a ceasefire is supposed to have been gaining pace.

'Unimpressive'

The White House has in recent days abandoned its standard call for Israel to show restraint.

However, Mr Fleischer also echoed recent comments by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, urging both sides to consider the consequences of their actions.

Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says Mr Arafat is an ineffectual leader

"It's important that, whatever actions are taken, all parties need to consider the repercussions of the actions so that peace can still be achieved," he said.

Amid public expressions of support for the Israeli position that correspondents say has not been seen in Washington for months, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld offered an unflattering portrait of the Palestinian leader.

"Yasser Arafat has - it's not for me to characterise him but... He is not a particularly strong leader. He has not ever delivered anything for the Palestinian people throughout history, so his record is not particularly impressive," Mr Rumsfeld said.

Cycle of violence

A Palestinian minister, Nabil Shaath, called the US comments regrettable.

I think Sharon wants to destroy the peace process and the Palestinian Authority

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat

He said the Bush administration was approving a continuation of the cycle of violence, which only made it more difficult to return the focus to peace negotiations.

The senior Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, called on the United States to force Israel to halt the raids.

"I think Sharon wants to destroy the peace process and the Palestinian Authority," he said.

"He should know that bloodshed breeds bloodshed. I was in touch with the Americans and asked them to immediately stop Sharon's random bombardments."