The Israeli government is arguing that Ariel Sharon, with reservations, agreed in 2003 to the internationally endorsed Road Map and the withdrawal of 8,000 settlers from Gaza in 2005, only on condition that Israel could proceed with expansion within the physical boundaries of existing West Bank settlements.
Which is why it seems clear that, although Mr Olmert did repeat his commitment to the internationally endorsed "road map" peace plan as the framework for talks with the Palestinian Authority (PA), he does not envisage such talks happening in the foreseeable future.Indeed, he has pretty well said as much.
Nearly all political parties, including Salafist former allies of the Brotherhood, have endorsed the road map.
Mr. Bush, on the other hand, has endorsed the road map.
As part of the Quartet, including Russia, the UN and the EU, George Bush has endorsed a "road map" for peace.
They promised to funnel their aid through the Palestinian Authority which, if done, might help dry up the outside money that fuels the militant groups.At the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, the five Arab participants unambiguously endorsed the road map and Mr Bush's role.
Some experts say Mr. Sharon was testing the administration by insulting Mr. Powell, and the prospects for a productive meeting will depend on Mr. Bush, who has endorsed the road map, reassuring the prime minister that Mr. Powell is there to do business.
It was then that, despite resistance from Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, Mr. Bush endorsed the road map -- a series of reciprocal actions that would supposedly be carried out by both sides -- drafted by the United States in partnership with the European Union, the secretary general of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, and the Russians.
It was not until the eve of the war in March 2003, and then only under pressure from Tony Blair, the British prime minister, that the White House finally endorsed the "road map," a peace plan of incremental steps that was to lead to a Palestinian state in three years.
But according go administration officials, Mr. Abbas now says he cannot take any actions until Israel endorses the road map.
Netanyahu abstained in the 2003 Israeli cabinet vote endorsing the road map and, for nearly three months since becoming prime minister, has refused to utter the words "Palestinian state" or "two-state solution".
