Israeli President Moshe Katsav dismissed a French proposal to send international peacekeepers to the Gaza Strip in an interview published today.
"When it comes to international forces, Israel has had only bad experiences," Mr Katsav told Le Figaronewspaper in response to a question about a French proposal to send peacekeepers to Gaza to help pave the way to an independent Palestinian state.
"Intervention forces are effective only after peace is established. Surely not during a war," he said.
His remarks, made during a visit to France, echoed comments by other Israeli officials after Palestinian Prime Minister Mr Ahmed Qurie appealed for peacekeepers to be sent to Gaza if the Israeli army leaves the territory it has occupied since 1967.
Mr Katsav said efforts should be concentrated on enforcing the international "road map" to Middle East peace before attention turns to other plans, such as ideas voiced by French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin earlier this week.
Mr de Villepin proposed holding an international conference on the Middle East as well as sending peacekeepers to Gaza.
Mr Katsav said it was "unacceptable" for the international Court of Justice to consider the legality of a barrier Israel is building with the West Bank. The hearing begins on Monday.
He said the barrier was needed to keep out suicide bombers. The Palestinians say it is a land grab because the barrier cuts into their territory.