Peres: No need to stress over Mitchell's visit

President Shimon Peres has called on Israel to welcome the new US envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell.

"In three days George Mitchell will arrive, and I've been reading in the papers that we need to prepare for pressure and almost to wear a bullet-proof vest. I'm not sure we should feel so pressured. How will the US pressure us? To make peace? To fight terror? To prevent Iran from wreaking havoc? I see Mitchell as an envoy of a good thing, of a country we support," he said on Sunday.

Mitchell is due to arrive in Israel on Wednesday. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni postulate that the main dispute between Jerusalem and US President Barack Obama's administration is expected to revolve around the US' demand that Israel halt all settlement construction and dismantle the illegal outposts in the West Bank.

Olmert contends that the expansion of the settlement blocs is permitted for natural growth purposes.

The White House may also add to the international pressure regarding the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Senior Israeli officials share the opinion that the importance of Mitchell's scheduled visit has been overstated.

"These are mere overtures by the new US administration in order to learn more about the situation; the visit is not part of an attempt to dictate Israel's policy or introduce America's new policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," one official said.

"Obama, like Israel, believes in the two states for two peoples solution."

During his visit Mitchell is also expected to meet with the heads of the Palestinian Authority, but will avoid any contact with Hamas.