A leading US Republican lawmaker said today US forces may have to help "root out terrorism" in the Middle East conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, including taking aim at Hamas.
In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Senator Richard Lugar, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said American forces might be part of an international force to help stop attacks by Hamas, the main group behind a campaign of suicide bombings against Israelis, and other groups.
Hamas has said it would reject any peace deal between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Mr Lugar said such a force could be used to quell Israeli and Palestinian disputes, "and, maybe even more important, to root out the terrorism that is at the heart of the problem."
Asked if that meant such troops would go after Hamas or other groups, he said, "That may be the conclusion....It may not be just Hamas but clearly Hamas is right in the gunsights," he added.
"...The terrorist aspect really has to be dealt with and that's why I say don't underestimate President Bush," Mr Lugar said.
Mr Lugar is headed to the region next week and said he, as well as top US officials, would be there seeking to halt the cycle of violence that is jeopardizing the US-backed peace "road map."
The United States has appealed for restraint from both sides after a week of bloodshed in which more than 50 people were killed.