AL QUDS, Nov 20: Israel said on Thursday it would not feel bound by the UN Security Council’s unanimous resolution on the internationally-backed “roadmap” for peace and would only accept US judgment over its implementation.

“It is possible that we will hold talks with the new Palestinian government on the basis of the roadmap but ... Israel does not feel that it is bound by the resolution,” Trade Minister Ehud Olmert, who is Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s official number two, told public radio.

Despite strong objections from Israel and initial opposition from the United States, the council voted on Wednesday for the Russian-backed resolution to put its stamp of approval on the plan, which envisages a Palestinian state by 2005.

A government statement said Israel would only accept judgment from the United States on how the roadmap was being implemented. “Israel will not accept any other intervention in implementing the plan,” it added.

The Palestinians in contrast have said they welcome the resolution.

“We are pleased with this vote and we hope that the quartet (the United States, Russia, European Union and United Nations) will establish a mechanism to apply the roadmap,” chief negotiator Saeb Erakat told AFP.