US slams Israel's barrier threat to Palestinians

The United States today moved to avert a new phase in the Middle East conflict by warning Israel to withdraw its ultimatum to the Palestinians to curb terrorism or face separation in the West Bank and Gaza.

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon had outlined a future "disengagement plan" in case the so-called road map peace plan failed.

However, the White House said it was committed to a negotiated settlement between the two sides under the American-backed road map.

The US "would oppose any unilateral steps that block the road towards negotiations under the road map that leads to the two-state vision," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

"A settlement must be negotiated and we would oppose any Israeli effort to impose a settlement," he added.

Political observers in Washington said the fact that the White House has close relations with Mr Sharon makes its criticism all the more striking. In a long-awaited speech Mr Sharon said Israel would take the initiative if the Palestinians did not begin adhering to the road map soon.

"If in a few months the Palestinians still continue to disregard their part in implementing the road map, then Israel will initiate the unilateral security step of disengagement from the Palestinians," he told a security conference in Herzliyah, near Tel Aviv.

Mr Sharon said Israel "will greatly accelerate" building a controversial barrier in the West Bank, which Israel says is vital to stop Palestinian militants crossing into Israel to carry out attacks.

Palestinian premier Ahmed Qurei said: "I am disappointed that he is threatening the Palestinians. We are committed to the road map."