Bush policy shift deepens West Bank rift

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon secured unprecedented US backing for his plan to hold on to parts of the West Bank, a policy shift by President George Bush that strengthens Sharon politically just weeks ahead of a vote in his Likud Party on a proposed Gaza Strip pullout.

An exchange of letters between Bush and Sharon at a White House meeting put in writing US support for Israel’s plan to withdraw from all Gaza Strip settlements and some West Bank enclaves.