Likud Rejects Sharon's Gaza Plan In the non-binding referendum on what Sharon has called his 'disengagement plan' Likud voters resoundingly defeated the PM's plan by margins of between 12 to 24 percent according to exit polls. Final results expected May 3.
American diplomats denounce Bush Former U.S. diplomats wrote a letter to President Bush denouncing his mid-east policies, specifically his unqualified support of Sharon, saying it is harming American credibility abroad. "We've probably done irretrievable damage in the eyes of the Arab world..." Over 50 diplomats have signed and the group is soliciting more signatures.
Israeli-Lebanese confrontation Israeli jets violated Lebanese airspace, in response Hezbollah says it fired 4 surface-to-air missles. Soon after more Israeli jets returned to attack 2 suspected Hezbollah sites in south Lebanon.
Israel releases a senior Hamas leader Despite months of assassinations, for an unknown reason Israel has released Mohammed Taha, a co-founder of Hamas, after 14 months in detention without trial.
More Israeli-Lebanese clashes Hezbollah claims it ambushed Israeli troops when they crossed into Lebanese territory. Israel says 1 soldier was killed and several wounded. Hezbollah also apparently launched 50 mortars at Israeli positions in the Shebaa farms, Israel fired artillery and used fighter jets to attack 2 Hezbollah bases.
Bush retracts promise to Palestinians President Bush said that establishing a Palestinian state by 2005 "isn't as realistic as it was two years ago" when he and other leaders pledged to make it happen.
