Drive Seen Continuing Till Powell Visit
The real question is what Mr. Sharon considers more important at this juncture, the Americans or the operation. The prime minister is known to place a high value on his relations with the administration, especially since Mr. Bush has given Mr. Sharon considerable support in his actions against the Palestinians, despite strong opposition from Arab and European governments. Despite some frictions, Mr. Sharon has consistently avoided open conflict with the administration.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/07/international/middleeast/07REAX.html