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Bush to Knesset: U.S. stands with Israel, Masada will not fall again
By Reuters
Tags: George Bush, Israel, Masada 

In an historic address to the Knesset on Thursday, U.S. President George Bush reiterated America's commitment to Israel and said his country was "proud to be Israel's closest ally and best friend."

Bush, on a three-day visit to Israel on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, told a special session of Knesset that "Masada will not fall again," in reference to the Roman-era desert fortress which he visited earlier in the day.

The site is a national symbol in Israel of Jewish fighting spirit and self-sacrifice against powerful enemies and overwhelming odds.
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Bush pledged in his address that the United States has an unbreakable bond with Israel.

"Some people suggest that if the United States would just break ties with
Israel, all our problems in the Middle East would go away," Bush said in his prepared address.

"This is a tired argument that buys into the propaganda of our enemies, and America rejects it utterly. Israel's population may be just over 7 million. But when you confront terror and evil, you are 307 million strong, because America stands with you."

In his address, Bush called Israel "the freest democracy in the Middle East" and criticized the United Nations for routinely leveling human rights complaints against it.

He criticized the deadly tactics of extremist groups and denounced anti-Semitism, especially by those who want to wipe the nation off the map.

"We believe that religious liberty is fundamental to civilized society so we condemn anti-Semitism in all forms whether by those who openly question Israel's right to exist, or by others who quietly excuse them," Bush said.

Bush hammered home his view that democracy could prevail against extremism in the Middle East, where he has struggled to push his "freedom agenda."

His strongest criticism was aimed at Iran, Israel's main foe in the region. He also told Knesset members that letting Iran acquire nuclear weapons would be an "unforgivable betrayal of future generations."

"Permitting the world's leading sponsor of terror to possess the world's deadliest weapon would be an unforgivable betrayal of future generations. For the sake of peace, the world must not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Bush said.

"America stands with you in firmly opposing Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions," he said.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said prior to the address: "The United States and Israel share a belief that all people have the right to live in peace, that democracy is the best way to ensure human rights, that religious liberty is fundamental to civilized society and that using violence to achieve political objectives is always wrong."

He added that Washington sees Israel as one of its partners in the fight against "extremists, including Hamas, Hezbollah and Al-Qaida as well as [in efforts to] deal with Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions."

Olmert: Most Israelis will approve two-state solution

Speaking prior to Bush's addresses, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that once the proposal for a two-state solution is brought before the Knesset, he is certain a majority of lawmakers and civilians will approve the motion.

Olmert said he was committed to carrying out Bush's vision of forming an
independent Palestinian state next to Israel and was certain that the divided Knesset and public would rally behind the initiative.

"When the day comes for a historic peace agreement between us and our
Palestinian neighbors. It will be brought to the approval of this house,
Olmert said. I am convinced: a peace agreement that will reflect the vision you presented to the world in June 2002, and that will be based on two states for two people, a Jewish state and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace," he said.

"This agreement will be approved in the Knesset by a large majority and will be supported by the vast majority of the Israeli public," he added.

The chamber reacted with silence and nervous laughter to this comment, which prompted a chamber walkout by hardline MKs Uri Ariel and Zvi Hendel.

Both Olmert and opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, whose address immediately proceeded Bush's, called for harsh action to be taken against Iran's nuclear development.

Netanyahu also said that while preparing a settlement with the Palestinians, negotiators must not forget that the purpose of peace is to strengthen security, not weaken it.

White House: Masada fighters' courage seen in modern Israelis

Bush toured the Roman-era desert fortress of Masada earlier Thursday.

A cable car carried Bush to the top of the towering plateau, where in an act chronicled by a 1st-century historian, 960 Jewish men, women and children committed suicide rather than surrender to Roman forces crushing a rebellion in ancient Judea.

At Masada, Bush and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert viewed ruins including a water collection system that sustained besieged Jewish zealots at the sand-colored sanctuary.

"The courage and bravery of those who fought at Masada can be seen in Israelis today," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said before Bush's visit to the site of ancient Roman ramparts overlooking the Dead Sea.

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      1.   Right. 11:30  |  Colin Wright 15/05/08
      2.   BUSH THE PIG can start first 12:11  |  VIPER 15/05/08
      3.   President George W Bush only speaks for his 12:16  |  Rachel Stevens 15/05/08
      4.   Bush to tell Knesset: U.S. will not abandon Israel 12:23  |  Natallie Durson 15/05/08
      5.   No mention of peace efforts? 12:31  |  Fahmi Natour 15/05/08
      6.   Bush for Israel`s PM!!!! 12:36  |  john 15/05/08
      7.   It is interesting as Rachel Stevens says 13:08  |  Chris Linthwaite 15/05/08
      8.   So Why Doesn`t Bush Destroy Iran? 13:10  |  Gershon 15/05/08
      9.   For Starters 13:13  |  Amin 15/05/08
      10.   U.S. will not abandon Israel untill .......... 13:14  |  jesus 15/05/08
      11.   Bush is not there to advocate peace. 13:31  |  Sh`ma 15/05/08
      12.   Bush to tell Knesset: God told me to start Armaggedon. yeeehaw 13:37  |  Palestinian in UK 15/05/08
      13.   God Willing, the U.S. will not abandon Israel. 13:40  |  I pray we never do. 15/05/08
      14.   US will not abandon Israel until after Bush leaves White House 14:35  |  Smith 15/05/08
      15.   "using violence to achieve political objectives is always wrong" 14:41  |  Joseph . E 15/05/08
      16.   anti israel is anti God`s will and prophesies 14:43  |  POP 15/05/08
      17.   #2 It`s because you guys are the aggressors, duh? 14:45  |  John Allen 15/05/08
      18.   Some people suggest that if Israel would just break ties with 14:53  |  Joseph . E 15/05/08
      19.   Israeli People Supporting a Olmert Peace 15:03  |  Joe Klien 15/05/08
      20.   olmert, speak for yourself 15:03  |  yechiel 15/05/08
      21.   Olmert`s Fantasy 15:09  |  Brod 15/05/08
      22.   US must remain in Iraq and in Afghanistan 15:17  |  Mawloud Ould Daddah 15/05/08
      23.   Thank you the American people for celebrating with us our 60 yrs. 15:24  |  Rachel 15/05/08
      24.   Masada will fall again Mr. Bush 15:34  |  Elizabeth Weir 15/05/08
      25.   RICE PUSHING ANTI-ISRAEL AGENDA OF STATE DEPT ARABISTS 15:37  |  G. Marcus 15/05/08
      26.   What happened to the commom sense of the Americans ? 15:38  |  Jean Van Daem 15/05/08
      27.   Two State Solution 15:39  |  JordanisPalestine 15/05/08
      28.   Viper # 2 15:41  |  JordanisPalestine 15/05/08
      29.   To Viper 2 15:42  |  US Shield 15/05/08
      30.   Rachel Stevens #3 15:43  |  JordanisPalestine 15/05/08
      31.   If peace was in all her land part 1 15:50  |  roger wallace 15/05/08
      32.   To Rachel, no. 3 15:50  |  Sam C 15/05/08
      33.   Desperate speech by Bush trying to prop up 15:50  |  Rachel Stevens 15/05/08
      34.   If peace was in all of her land part 2 15:51  |  roger wallace 15/05/08
      35.   I wish to take this opportunity and simply thank the American 15:53  |  Ahinoam 15/05/08
      36.   Vipor 15:53  |  TAZ 15/05/08
      37.   To Chris Linthwaite, no. 7 - are you for real? 15:57  |  Sam C 15/05/08
      38.   #1-4...usual, idiotic drivel 16:01  |  DR 15/05/08
      39.   MOST ISRAELIS ARE AGAINST OLMERT`S DEFEATISM 16:11  |  ROB 15/05/08
      40.   To Rachel Stevens, no 33 - you`ve change your views 16:13  |  Sam C 15/05/08
      41.   palestinian state; no masada... 16:14  |  jake 15/05/08
      42.   To DR from Florida 16:22  |  TAZ 15/05/08
      43.   Rachel Stevens #3 16:25  |  Coldstream 15/05/08
      44.   VIPER this and VIPE that 16:25  |  Stranger 15/05/08
      45.   Actually most of you anti anti·s are dead wrong. 16:25  |  Stephen. 15/05/08
      46.   60 years of Israel`s occupation and murders 16:30  |  David Goldstein 15/05/08
      47.   US stands with Israel. Iran stands with the palestinian rights 16:37  |  Aounist 15/05/08
      48.   Iraqis Listen closely! This is the country you side with? 16:38  |  Peep 15/05/08
      49.   JordinisPalestine- Just because Israel exist the World did not 16:39  |  America 15/05/08
      50.   OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! - Change is happening in America! 16:42  |  American Voter 15/05/08
      51.   Ahinoam #35 16:46  |  Neal 15/05/08
      52.   Appeasement 16:48  |  Mary 15/05/08
      53.   #3 Rachel Stevens talks again and misquoted 17:01  |  ROBERT/ MONTREAL 15/05/08
      54.   Ah, well... 17:03  |  Esther 15/05/08
      55.   What rights?? 17:05  |  Stranger 15/05/08
      56.   Appeasement!!! 17:06  |  Mary 15/05/08
      57.   #46 stop using a fake name. and a Jewish one 17:09  |  Robert/Montreal 15/05/08
      58.   to (un)american voter 50 17:12  |  Mac Cain III 15/05/08
      59.   Really? 17:12  |  Stranger 15/05/08
      60.   To Coldstream, no. 43. Sad for Britain 17:13  |  Sam C 15/05/08
      61.   #52 Gee Mary another strange one, and stupid too 17:18  |  Robert/Montreal 15/05/08
      62.   To Aounist, no. 47 17:18  |  Ricardo 15/05/08
      63.   Silence, nervous laughter and a walkout?! 17:28  |  Aphemia 15/05/08
      64.   Re Rob #57 17:28  |  Esther 15/05/08
      65.   To Mary, no. 56 17:29  |  Sam C 15/05/08
      66.   Such an outpouring of anti-Israeli hatred! 17:40  |  Yonatan 15/05/08
      67.   "ISRAEL... Since 1948!" 18:01  |  Elan 15/05/08
      68.   To Ricardo #62: You can diminish Iran`s influence by accepting to 18:02  |  Aounist 15/05/08
      69.   `TALKING` WITH THE P.A. SAME AS `TALKING` WITH HAMAS 18:15  |  david 15/05/08
      70.   israel is in danger 18:21  |  Falastini Hurr 15/05/08
      71.   To Aounist, no. 68, a simple disagreement 18:26  |  Ricardo 15/05/08
      72.   Who will get the last laugh?? 18:29  |  D`Arth Vader 15/05/08
      73.   To Falastini Hurr 18:33  |  The Judge 15/05/08
      74.   Bush 18:35  |  Anthony 15/05/08
      75.   #66 18:41  |  Sam 15/05/08
      76.   to 24 18:41  |  Anthony 15/05/08
      77.   Mac Cain III - What are you talking about? 18:51  |  American Voter 15/05/08
      78.   George Bush 19:08  |  Herbert Rubin, M.D. 15/05/08
      79.   #66 Yonathan of Israel 19:09  |  Chris Linthwaite 15/05/08
      80.   Great speech by our President 19:25  |  USALovesIsrael 15/05/08
      81.   As if Israel is not small enough, Olmert!! 19:33  |  Michaela 15/05/08
      82.   Look whose talking! 19:40  |  MichaelF 15/05/08
      83.   ISRAEL AND BUSH DESERVES EACH OTHERS 19:45  |  indrajaya 15/05/08
      84.   Bush is a traitor 19:46  |  US Taxpayer 15/05/08
      85.   Is there any more support needed, I think this is the Max 19:47  |  Simon Mohammed 15/05/08
      86.   To Anthony, no 74 19:54  |  Sam C 15/05/08
      87.   American Voter 19:57  |  Yakov 15/05/08
      88.   #83 - indrajaya 19:58  |  MichaelF 15/05/08
      89.   I don`t undestand Pals 20:09  |  Jaroslav Secansky 15/05/08
      90.   BUSH SPEECH 20:10  |  THE TEACHER/INSTRUCT 15/05/08
      91.   #33 Rachel Stevens 20:25  |  JG 15/05/08
      92.   Thanks, Bush, But... 20:39  |  Jeff Northridge 15/05/08
      93.   Masada; the real lesson 20:43  |  Danite 15/05/08
      94.   Yakov 20:57  |  US Guy 15/05/08
      95.   Of course Bush supports his fellow terrorists. 21:00  |  Deborah 15/05/08
      96.   Bush to Knesset: 21:14  |  Ralph 15/05/08
      97.   #77 American Voter 21:16  |  Jon 15/05/08
      98.   #91 JG 21:18  |  Rachel Stevens 15/05/08
      99.   Bush again! does he live on a different planet?! 21:19  |  John 15/05/08
      100.   #93 Danite 21:20  |  Chris Linthwaite 15/05/08
      101.   95.Deborah: terrorists 21:27  |  Eylo 15/05/08
      102.   The bush Incompetence Is Astounding 21:29  |  Yaakov Sullivan 15/05/08
      103.   No more Christian blood for this region! 21:46  |  Christian Soldier 15/05/08
      104.   JG - AIPAC is a foreign lobby 21:47  |  A 15/05/08
      105.   #103 Christian Soldier 22:14  |  Robert/Montreal 15/05/08
      106.   Bush: Masada will not fall again 22:15  |  Stephen 15/05/08
      107.   #91 You know you are an idiot Rachel Stevens 22:17  |  Robert/Montreal 15/05/08
      108.   Aounist #47 22:30  |  Philippe 15/05/08
      109.   remember vietnam 22:37  |  seth thomas 15/05/08
      110.   @102 Yaakov Sullivan 22:40  |  Mark B. 15/05/08
      111.   Jon - Absolutes 22:52  |  American Voter 15/05/08
      112.   The Laughing Place 23:23  |  Clickfool 15/05/08
      113.   Partners For Peace ? 23:25  |  Yanatan 15/05/08
      114.   no 81 23:30  |  Anthony 15/05/08
      115.   Natallie Durson: Your mental health is our important Issue!!!!!!! 23:32  |  People of the world 15/05/08
      116.   response to hurr #70 23:34  |  Zolman ben Moshe 15/05/08
      117.   #108 American Voter 23:34  |  Jon 15/05/08
      118.   The Shocking BETRAYAL of ISRAEL, Lebanon & the Free World 23:36  |  Linda Rivera 15/05/08
      119.   #2, Quite right, VIPER... 23:38  |  Silvienne 15/05/08
      120.   #47, Aounist... 23:41  |  Silvienne 15/05/08
      121.   seth thomas - OK but can we do the same with our Jews? 23:42  |  Euro! 15/05/08
      122.   #70, Falistini, complete lie. 23:43  |  David 15/05/08
      123.   #50, American Voter---right! Obama!!! 23:43  |  Silvienne 15/05/08
      124.   No. 84, US Taxpayer, you got it wrong again 23:46  |  Sam C 15/05/08
      125.   95 Deborah The Land Of Others 23:50  |  Bill H. 15/05/08
      126.   Yaakov Sullivan 102 23:54  |  Bill H. 15/05/08
      127.   Jon - Again 00:07  |  American Voter 16/05/08
      128.   #98 Rahima Stevens 00:09  |  JG 16/05/08
      129.   Yaakov Sullivan `restores Mark B.`s faith in America` 00:13  |  Freethinker 16/05/08
      130.   Rachel Stevens, so you`re an Arab after all! 00:16  |  Freethinker 16/05/08
      131.   Rachel: "What I stated quite clearly and I thought brilliantly" 00:17  |  Freethinker 16/05/08
      132.   That`s right, Jaroslav, you understand nothing. Get some books. 00:20  |  Freethinker 16/05/08
      133.   #114 here we have silly vain 00:24  |  Estevao 16/05/08
      134.   jean van damn # 26 its smartass,ungrateful jews like you 00:39  |  typical american 16/05/08
      135.   wow ! whose writng geogies speeches? 00:40  |  jewish madman 16/05/08
      136.   deborah # 95 and you just keep on kissing the asses of terrorist 00:41  |  debs hubby 16/05/08
      137.   Bush`s wonderful speech to the Knesset 00:44  |  Conroy 16/05/08
      138.   Sylvienne 114 00:48  |  Anthony 16/05/08
      139.   amabinajad,bush,olmert the worlds sweethearts 00:48  |  joefiasco 16/05/08
      140.   american voter,you bible thumpers were duped by bush in the 00:49  |  another american vot 16/05/08
      141.   A pollard bird in the hand.... 00:51  |  painful concession 16/05/08
      142.   Sad to see people taken in by George Bush 00:51  |  Lisa 16/05/08
      143.   #117, David...in Boston? 00:58  |  Silvienne 16/05/08
      144.   Alos, this... 00:58  |  Lisa 16/05/08
      145.   #113, Jon.. 01:00  |  Silvienne 16/05/08
      146.   Bush and his policy! 01:20  |  John 16/05/08
      147.   Bush one of worst presidents ever 01:37  |  Harold 16/05/08
      148.   Masada will not fall again 01:46  |  Palestine 16/05/08
      149.   Masada will fall again 01:48  |  Palestine 16/05/08
      150.   #28, JORDANIS, difficult???? 02:13  |  VIPER 16/05/08
      151.   #29, US SHIELD, the arrogance 02:18  |  VIPER 16/05/08
      152.   #2 02:18  |  Joey 16/05/08
      153.   Is that what Christianity is to U Christian Soldier, an ideology? 02:19  |  God just an idea? 16/05/08
      154.   #103, CHRISTIAN SOLDIER 02:21  |  VIPER 16/05/08
      155.   #114, SILVIENNE my friend 02:26  |  VIPER 16/05/08
      156.   Best is to hike Massada to watch the Sunrise 02:27  |  Joseph . E 16/05/08
      157.   Bush campaigning in Israel 02:38  |  Harold 16/05/08
      158.   why Masada? 03:24  |  hollingsworth 16/05/08
      159.   Israel 04:08  |  Dan 16/05/08
      160.   #133, Lisa, I agree with you... 18:51  |  Silvienne 16/05/08
      161.   #129, Anthony...good point... 18:56  |  Silvienne 16/05/08
      162.   #146, VIPER, Bush the worst thing that ever happened to America.. 19:04  |  Silvienne 16/05/08
      163.   VIPER... 19:07  |  Silvienne 16/05/08
      164.   Al-Qaida, Hamas and Hezbollah will be defeated 14:34  |  Serenity 17/05/08
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