Bush to send CIA Director Tenet to Middle East

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush announced Tuesday he is sending CIA Director George Tenet to the Middle East to help Palestinians rebuild their security force into one that is "transparent and held accountable" and will help "bring stability to the region."

Tenet proposed a cease-fire and security plan last June, urging Israeli and Palestinian security organizations to reaffirm commitments to agreements under the April 2001 Mitchell report.

Bush made the announcement after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the White House.

A U.S. official said no date has yet been set for Tenet to travel. The official said the timing will be decided by the White House.

--National Security Correspondent David Ensor contributed to this report