BEIJING, June 23 -- White House has declined to criticize Israel for resuming an assassination policy against Islamic Jihad militants.

    White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters on Wednesday that these militants are determined to derail peace efforts between Israel and Palestine.

    The spokesman noted Washington encourages the Palestinian leadership to do more to go after those who engage in violence.

    He also praised the latest meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discuss the evacuation of Israeli citizens from the Gaza strip.

    The assassination policy came after a failed missile strike on the life of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)