Delegation from US congress visits Israel

A delegation of prominent members of the US Congress known for supporting Israel under the speaker of the House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich, is visiting Israel to help celebrate 50 years since its establishment and 30 years since it occupied Arab Jerusalem.

In press statements, Gingrich defended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's point of view saying it is Israel's right to define its security requirements as it sees fit.

Gingrich also criticized the pressure practiced by the American administration on Netanyahu in its attempt to save the peace process. Gingrich is due to meet with President Arafat on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat called on the US government to press Netanyahu to implement the US proposal for second-phase troop withdrawal from the West Bank.