Bush reminds Sharon of need to negotiate

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon Thursday morning, the first time the two leaders have spoken since Israel decided to occupy some Palestinian lands in response to two deadly suicide bombings this week, a senior administration official.

The official would not reveal many details of what is described as a brief conversation other than to say Bush reminded Sharon that ultimately, there must be a political dialogue to resolve disputes between Israel and the Palestinians.

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Asked if the United States has asked the Israelis to pull out of the West Bank soon to pave the way for Bush's expected statement on the Middle East, another senior administration official told CNN, "Our indications are this is a temporary move."

Israeli troops were carrying out operations in a number of Palestinian towns and cities Thursday including Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin as well as the village of Beit Jalah and Beit Sahour.

Ari Fleischer, White House press secretary, said Bush would not be making h is Mideast statement Thursday; another senior official involved in the planning told CNN Friday had not been ruled out but that next week was "a much more likely scenario."

The president, during his event promoting physical fitness, told reporters, "I'll give it at the appropriate time."

On Wednesday, the Bush administration said it believes Israel has a right to defend itself, but also stressed Israel must remember there can be "consequences" to its actions.

Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader, in a strongly worded statement condemned both suicide bombings -- Tuesday's, in which 19 passengers aboard a bus were killed and Wednesday's, when seven people died.

Fleischer downplayed the significance of the statement, saying Bush was interested in action, not words.

CNN Senior White House Correspondent John King and White House Correspondent Kelly Wallace contributed to this report.