The State Department insists it has not abandoned the idea of a conference.

Another administration official summed up the issue this way: "Everybody agrees the idea of a conference is a good one.

Few Israelis like the idea of an international conference with the world ganging up against them.

Soon after taking office, Blaine revived his old idea of an international conference of western hemisphere nations.

"We are not opposed to the idea of a conference," the official said.

That vote could eliminate any Israeli interest in the very idea of such a conference.

Washington has agreed to entertain the idea of such a conference to accommodate King Hussein.

Israel objects to the idea of an international conference, preferring direct talks.

The idea of a conference had been in the back of the Prime Minister's mind for some time.

The idea of an international conference is a major point that divides Israel's coalition Government.