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Source: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2218162
U.S. Opposed to Cease-Fire With Hizballah
[AP/ABC News] Anne Gearan - The United States held the line Thursday against a quick cease-fire deal in the Middle East. The Bush administration is playing down expectations for Secretary of State Rice's upcoming trip to the Mideast, saying she will not shuttle among capitals to broker a deal. Administration officials also questioned whether a cease-fire between Israel and Hizballah is even feasible. "At this point, there's no indication that Hizballah intends to lay down arms," said White House spokesman Tony Snow. The Bush administration has repeatedly said that a temporary or quickly negotiated cease-fire would leave Hizballah able to regroup and rearm. Israel, and Washington as its closest ally, insist that any settlement must deal with the underlying threat posed to Israel by Hizballah's control of southern Lebanon. The U.S. House of Representatives voted 410-8 on Thursday to support Israel in its confrontation with Hizballah.