Israel will end its operations against the Palestinians "soon", Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon has said.
Speaking after meeting US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell, Mr Sharon said: "Israel will conclude this war soon" but admitted they had not agreed a timetable for withdrawal.
Mr Powell said Mr Sharon was committed to a peaceful settlement in the Middle East crisis and said he was pleased that Israel would bring operations against Palestinians to an end as soon as possible.
"Parties must talk, parties must begin negotiations," Mr Powell said.
He said he hoped to reach agreement Mr Sharon on the duration of Israel's military offensive and move on to peacemaking.
"I hope we can find a way to come into agreement on this point of the duration of the operations and get back to a track that will lead to a political settlement", said Mr Powell "We do understand what terrorism is, and as we have responded to terrorism, we know that Israel has a right to respond to terrorism. The question is how do we get beyond just a response?"
US President Mr George W Bush has repeatedly demanded Israel withdraw from Palestinian-run areas and begin peace talks.
Additional reporting Agencies
