Arguments over first Middle East ceasefire steps

Mideast truce talks ended in failure early today as both sides argued over who should take the first steps, and hours later Israeli soldiers raided three West Bank villages.

Israel wants to see suspected militants arrested as the first stage of a formal ceasefire, but the Palestinians demand Israeli troops be withdrawn to their positions before fighting broke out in September 2000.

Despite the disagreements, the talks were to resume later today. Both sides were optimistic of reaching agreement by Monday, when Palestinian officials hope Yasser Arafat will meet US Vice President Dick Cheney in Cairo.

Cheney has said he will only meet the Palestinian leader once a ceasefire is in place. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has also linked Arafat’s departure from the Palestinian territories to a truce.

Arafat wants to attend an Arab summit next week in Beirut, Lebanon, where Saudi Arabia is to present a plan offering Israel peace with the Arab world in exchange for a withdrawal from occupied territories.

Following the truce talks, the Palestinian West Bank security chief, Jibril Rajoub, said the gaps were ‘‘huge,’’ but that both sides are working hard to bridge them.

Israeli Transport Minister Ephraim Sneh agreed: ‘‘This is the continuation of tough bargaining,’’ he said. ‘‘It is not simple, but it has more of a chance now than a short time ago.’’

After the talks ended, Israeli troops raided three Palestinian villages near the West Bank town of Jenin, arresting more than 20 suspected militants.

The army said troops withdrew once the sweeps were completed. Palestinian officials said soldiers remained on the outskirts of the villages.

Earlier this week, under US pressure, Israel withdrew from Palestinian-run territory as part of truce efforts. The withdrawal capped the largest Israeli military operation in a generation.