Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon said today he had ordered Israeli security chiefs to meet their Palestinian counterparts to try to halt violence.
Speaking to reporters on his first flight to the United States since becoming prime minister 11 days ago, the 73-year-old former general said: "I ordered a resumption of the commander's discussions."
The Israeli leader confirmed that Israel's Shin Bet security chief Mr Avi Dichter met a Palestinian counterpart yesterday to try to end an almost six-month old Palestinian uprising that erupted after peace talks stalled.
Mr Sharon said the purpose of the meeting, and others to come, would be to prevent violence and terror. Sources close to the meeting said Mr Dichter had met Palestinian intelligence chief Mr Amin alHindi.
Mr Sharon, due to meet President George W. Bush in Washington on Tuesday, said he wanted to resume peace negotiations with Palestinian President Mr Yasser Arafat - but only once quiet and security were restored. His plane stopped to refuel at Brize Norton air force base outside London.