WASHINGTON -- The U.S State Department Tuesday reiterated its support for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
"We have made it clear that it is America's belief, the United States belief, that the Gaza disengagement plan, as presented by Prime Minister Sharon, offers real opportunity for progress and a return to the political process," deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said ahead of the vote, which passed Israel's Knesset on a 67-45 vote. There were seven abstentions.
The Bush administration says Sharon's plan is in line with the "road map" to peace in the region, adding an Israeli withdrawal "has the potential to move both parties closer to a realization of the president's two-state vision."
Under the plan, Israel will withdraw all settlements and troops from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.
