Military

DATE=05/25/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (L)

NUMBER=2-303624

BYLINE= ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

INTRO: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Cabinet is meeting to consider a U-S backed Middle East plan. Mr. Sharon convened his Cabinet after declaring the moment had arrived to divide the area and allow for the establishment of a Palestinian State. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Mr. Sharon's aides say they are confident that a majority of the Cabinet will approve the so-called "road map to peace".

The plan calls for the end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State by 2005.

Before the vote, Mr. Sharon met with members of his own ruling Likud Party. Some Likud members are strongly opposed to the plan, describing it as a "recipe for terror" in its current form.

The Prime Minister announced his acceptance for implementing steps outlined in the "road map" on Friday.

This followed a statement from the U-S administration saying that Israeli concerns are "genuine" and would be addressed during the implementation of the plan.

Mr. Sharon says that there is no alternative but to accept the road map or Israel will risk losing the support of its treasured ally, the United States

A long time supporter of Jewish settlement building, he told an Israeli newspaper that his decision had not been an easy one.

He also said it would be necessary to uproot some Jewish communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in order to reach a final peace agreement with the Palestinians.

The approval of the Israeli Cabinet of the road map could open the way for a Middle East summit, possibly as early as next month.

Western diplomats say there is a possibility President Bush will meet with Mr. Sharon and the new Palestinian Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas, on June 4 in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. (SIGNED)

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