US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice telephoned Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this afternoon.  The Prime Minister updated her on the situation in Gaza and said that Israel is interested in exhausting the Egyptian track on bringing about a ceasefire and a halt to smuggling in order to reach the end of the military operation.
 
In this context, Prime Minister Olmert noted Israel was waiting on Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Amos Gilad's return from Egypt in order to consider how to advance in this direction.  US Secy. of State Rice said that the US would be prepared to assist in resolving the smuggling issue and in signing a memorandum of understanding with Israel on the matter.
 
The two agreed to put behind them the events of recent days and the misunderstandings between them and continue the good working relationship that they have enjoyed over the years.