Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon said today the United States should not pressure Israel to stop its offensive against Palestinian militants in the West Bank, which he pledged to complete as fast as possible.
"You can talk all about peace, but you cannot reach peace as long as terror exists. I hope our great friend the United States understands that this is a war of survival for us...it's our right to defend our citizens and there should be no pressure put on us not to do that," Mr Sharon told reporters.
"Our wonderful soldiers have to be able to continue this struggle. Once we do that, once we accomplish that, we have no intention, we will not stay in any (Palestinian) zones," he said.
"We have to do this as fast as possible, but we have to finish the job," Mr Sharon said.