An Israeli minister has said that by striking key Iranian sites in Syria it sent a clear message that it will not tolerate an Iranian military foothold on its doorstep.

Ariel Sharon’s main allies launched their election campaign today, saying the prime minister’s new centrist party would push for a final agreement with the Palestinians and the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon easily won a crucial party vote to reinforce his shaky government to carry out his Gaza pull-out plan, party officials announced tonight.