US president Mr George W. Bush will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon early next month to discuss the war against terrorism and the search for peace in the Middle East.
Mr Sharon will make a working visit to the White House beginning December 3th.
Mr Sharon's plans were announced today and followed a meeting between Mr Bush and two key players in the Middle East peace effort, retired Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni and Assistant Secretary of State Mr William Burns.
Mr Zinni and Mr Burns depart Sunday for the region to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Their goal is to help the two sides obtain a lasting cease-fire.
Also attending the White House meeting was Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell, who spoke by telephone with Mr Sharon. State Department spokesman Mr Richard Boucher said Mr Sharon told Mr Powell he looks forward to the arrival of the US envoys.
Mr Powell has outlined plans for a more active US role in the Middle East that had a cease fire as the first goal. He also indicated Mr Zinni will resort to pressure to achieve that objective.
Mr Zinni and Mr Burns will be accompanied on their trip by Mr Aaron Miller, a Middle East troubleshooter during the Clinton administration. Boucher said Miller is assuming a new role with the title of senior adviser.