Mofaz said after meeting with US Secretary of State Colin Powell that Israel's disengagement plan was "an historic move."

"This plan will create a better security situation for the state of Israel," he said.

"We'll keep the door open for the continuation of the dialogue with the Palestinians based on President (George W.) Bush's vision, and the road map, and they will give us a possibility to continue to fight against terrorism if needed."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he will start implementing his disengagement plan in the next few months if there is no progress in the US-backed road map to peace with the Palestinians.

The plan would involve the evacuation of 17 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and several others in the West Bank.

"I believe that the backing of the US to this plan is very important for us," said Mofaz, who also met with US counterpart Donald Rumsfeld and was later to meet with Vice President Dick Cheney.

WAR.WIRE