The Yediot Aharonot also quoted him as saying in private conversations that Israel would not withdraw from the West Bank before finding a solution to Palestinian rocket attacks, "which will take between three to five years."

Barak, who is also leader of the Labour Party in the ruling coalition, said such a delay was necessary for the army to develop anti-rocket weaponry systems.

He said this had to be done because of the risk of attacks from the occupied West Bank, like those launched from the Gaza Strip after Israel's withdrawal two years ago.

Commenting on talks of a quick peace, the newspaper said Barak added: "The Israel public reacts sanely in not believing such fantasies... for it is not possible to envisage a separation with the Palestinians before finding the means to protect the population against shootings (from rockets or missiles)." During a Labour faction meeting, Barak said: "There has been no change in my stance regarding the Palestinians. We have the responsibility of strengthening Palestinian president Abu Mazen (Mahmud Abbas) and prime minister Salam Fayyad. We will do everything to make things easier for the Palestinians."

Barak, a former prime minister who lost an election to Ariel Sharon after the outbreak of the Palestinian Intifada in 2000, said Israel was interested in a peace process but added: "Our first responsibility is to the citizens of Israel."

Defence ministry spokesman Moshe Ronen said on Friday that Barak attached "great importance to the peace process."