Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says there might be -- in his words -- "disagreements" with the United States over Israel's military actions in the West Bank. 

President Bush telephoned the Israeli leader Saturday to urge Israel to pull back "without delay" and the Israeli leader has promised to expedite operations. 

But Mr. Sharon says the military offensive must continue until Palestinian militants behind the suicide bombings against Israel are rooted out. He also stressed the importance of maintaining relations with the United States and says any disagreements that arise will be between friends. 

Secretary of State Colin Powell says he is encouraged by Mr. Sharon's promise to end military operations as soon as possible. But Mr. Powell says a timetable for the withdrawal has not been discussed. 

National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice says the White House recognizes that a military operation of such scope cannot be undone in a moment, but that the important thing is to change the situation on the ground. She says Israel should not wait for the arrival of Mr. Powell to begin the pull out. 

Palestinian officials and Arab League foreign ministers are calling for the immediate implementation of a United Nations Security Council resolution calling an Israeli pullout. 

Mr. Powell leaves Washington later today (Sunday) for talks in Morocco, Egypt, Spain, and Jordan before arriving in Jerusalem Friday. He says he will ask Arab leaders to play a more direct role in getting Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to control Palestinian violence. He also says Arab leaders should do more to lessen the level of anger in their own lands. 

Mr. Powell says he will meet with Mr. Arafat if circumstances permit, although the United States has laid out no specific steps for Mr. Arafat to take before direct talks can be held. Mr. Powell says he would be delighted if his trip led to a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians, but added that his trip would be worthwhile if the two sides resumed direct negotiations. 

Some information for this report provided by AFP.

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