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Bush backs Olmert on pullout planLeaders express a shared vision on peace process By Bryan Bender, Globe Staff | May 24, 2006 WASHINGTON -- President Bush and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel said yesterday that talks between Israel and the Palestinians remain the best hope for Middle East peace. But Bush gave conditional support to Olmert's plan to pursue a unilateral separation from the Palestinians if the Hamas-dominated government is unwilling to negotiate a peace agreement. Bush, after his first meeting with Olmert since the Israeli election in March, urged Hamas to embrace negotiations for a final settlement to...

Olmert offers 'bold ideas' By Joseph Curl THE WASHINGTON TIMES May 24, 2006 Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stood shoulder to shoulder with President Bush at the White House yesterday and asserted that his nation will not "be held hostage" by the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority. Mr. Olmert said that if the Hamas terrorist group refuses negotiations for peace, "we will be compelled to try a different route." The new Israeli leader, laying out what Mr. Bush called "bold ideas," proposed a unilateral redrawing of West Bank borders should Hamas continue to reject negotiations and should Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas,...

Olmert, Rice discuss convergence PM meets with US secretary of state in Washington, introduces plan for unilateral pullout from West Bank. Olmert, Rice also discuss Iran's influence on Hamas government, joint Israeli-American policy towards Palestinians Yitzhak Benhorin Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Tuesday with American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for a meeting later defined by the PM's associates as "excellent." Olmert introduced before Rice his vision for the convergence plan and has answered her questions on the subject.Despite the American objection to the plan at this point, Israeli officials said that Rice expressed great interest in the issue of...

Olmert asks for a word with Bush By Joshua Mitnick THE WASHINGTON TIMES May 23, 2006 TEL AVIV -- Listen for a new buzzword when Ehud Olmert arrives at the White House today for his first meeting as Israeli prime minister with President Bush: "realignment." After weeks of discussing and polling, Mr. Olmert and his aides have settled on that word to describe his ambitious withdrawal plan that would unilaterally dismantle dozens of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and relocate residents into three main settlement blocs. In recent weeks, Israelis have become accustomed to hearing the plan called "convergence."...

Bush, Olmert meet at White House For first time since his election, prime minister meets with President Bush in Washington; on the agenda: Iranian threat, collapse of the PA, and convergence plan – which US is expected to refrain from officially endorsing Ronny Sofer WASHINGTON - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived at the White House Tuesday evening for his first diplomatic meeting with US President George Bush since his election. During the meeting, the Iranian threat is expected to take center stage, along with terrorism by Islamic radicals, the Palestinian Authority’s straits and the Convergence - Israel's plan to withdraw...

Sharansky Says Bush Will Try to Discourage Olmert on Withdrawals 19:58 May 18, '06 / 20 Iyar 5766 (IsraelNN.com) Knesset member Natan Sharansky said on a radio program Thursday night that American President George W. Bush will try to discourage Prime Minister Ehud Olmert from pushing his plan for more destruction of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The Prime Minister is to fly to Washington next week. Speaking on the Voice of Israel program "From the Left and From the Right," the former Prisoner of Zion explained that the timing of the Olmert's policy is very unfavorable for the...

Washington Protest to Coincide With PM Olmert’s Visit 17:50 May 18, '06 / 20 Iyar 5766 (IsraelNN.com) A protest rally is scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, May 23rd, coinciding with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s first White House visit. Organizers include Bnei Elim, AFSI, Chabad, and Manhigut Yehudit. They will protest Olmert's plan to divide Jerusalem and expel residents of many communities in Judea and Samaria. The protest will take place at noon, in Taft Park adjacent to the Capitol Building. Organizers report buses will be available in a number of states. For additional information, one may...

Israel's new prime minister, Ehud Olmert, will make his first official trip to the White House to meet with President Bush on May 23. The White House on Monday said it would be an opportunity to discuss the strong relationship between the United States and Israel as well problems in the Middle East and around the world. Olmert moved into the prime minister's office this month after heading a five-month caretaker government following the Jan. 4 devastating stroke suffered by Ariel Sharon. Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may...