Bush: We stand by Israel against Hamas, Iran
President meets with PM Olmert in Jerusalem, pledges US will support Israel in face of Iranian nuclear threat, struggle against Hamas in Gaza
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert held a two-hour meeting on Wednesday afternoon with US President George W. Bush in Jerusalem.
Bush vowed the United States would aid Israel in its stand against the Iranian nuclear threat and the rocket barrages from terror groups in Gaza.
Bush remarked that these were "interesting times," saying that Israel, along with other democracies, were currently facing difficult challenges from extremists.
"We will stand with democratic nations against terrorism, we will stand with Israel against the nuclear threat, and with the Sinoira government in Lebanon against Hizbullah, which has turned its weapons against its own people," said Bush.
The President denounced the rocket attacks from Gaza and the wounding of Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
Hamas is adamant in its quest to destroy Israel, said Bush, adding that the US will support not only Israel against the Islamist group, but also those Palestinians who wish to live side-by-side with Israel in peace.
Olmert also addressed the Iranian threat, calling it "a danger to global stability."
Also in attendance at the meeting were Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Livni and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi.
Bush's entourage included, amongst others, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.
