Sharon managed to convince most of his ministers Sunday, May 25, to approve a controversial U.S. backed peace plan.
As some Jewish settlers protested with posters that included "the roadmap to hell", the Israeli Cabinet approved the U.S. supported plan that calls for a Palestinian state by 2005 with 12-7 in favour, news reports said. There were four abstentions.
Israeli observers described the acceptance of what is known as "The Roadmap to Peace" as "historic" and a personal triumph for Prime Minister Sharon.
The Voice of America (VOA) network quoted Sharon as telling Israeli media earlier that " the moment had come to divide the area into two states." He also said it had not been an easy decision.
Sharon stressed that "Israel would have to make painful concessions, including uprooting Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in order to reach a final agreement with the Palestinians," VOA reported.
In exchange, the U.S. government has promised to take "Israeli concerns" into account during implementation of the "road map."
President George W. Bush also said Friday, May 23, he wanted a three way meeting with the Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, and Sharon as soon as possible.
However several suicide attacks in recent days have raised fears that militant organizations will try to undermine the peace process.
The Islamic group Hamas, which aims to destroy Israel, has claimed responsibility for the bombing near the Jewish settlement of Netzarim Friday, May 23, despite calls from the recently elected Palestinian Prime Minister to end the violence.
At least nine people were wounded in that attack.
