The diplomat leading US efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israelis and Palestinians is to return to brief American officials.
Mr Anthony Zinni will give President George Bush and Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell "an assessment ... in light of recent events and how best to proceed," State Department spokesman Mr Richard Boucher said in a statement.
He also said however that Mr Zinni "will remain engaged and return to the region."
"Ending the ongoing terror and violence is the top priority for the US but major challenges remain which both the Israelis and the Palestinians will have to overcome," the statement said.
"The US is committed to doing everything it can to help the two sides end the violence and return to a political process. We will remain engaged with Israel and the Palestinian Authority in working toward a durable cease-fire."
