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US "Understands" Israeli Frustration that Prompted Air Strikes
A senior US official said Wednesday the United States "understands" the frustration with terrorist violence that prompted Israel to launch air strikes on Palestinian targets, according to a news report by AFP.
"We understand the Israeli frustration and need to do what they see is necessary for their security," the official told AFP after the Israelis shelled Palestinian cities in retaliation for three deadly anti-Israeli bombing attacks in the past two days.
"But we have said they need to consider carefully the effect of the their response and whether or not they risk inciting yet another cycle of reaction and counter-reaction," the official said.
The official refused to specifically condemn the air strikes but urged both sides to stop the violence.
"We continue to believe breaking the cycle of violence and getting back to direct discussions are the only ways for the two sides to begin achieving their goals."
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres had, in a phone call, informed US Secretary of State Colin Powell of the strikes just as they got underway.
At the time of the call, Powell was having lunch with Vice President Richard Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, the official said.
"Peres called and told them what they were doing and why they were doing it," the official said, declining to comment on any response Powell or the others had given the foreign minister.
Israel attacked the main West Bank city of Ramallah and at least six targets in the Gaza Strip in strikes it said were aimed at positions of Force 17, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's personal security service.
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