President Shimon Peres thanked outgoing United States President George Bush on Monday for his actions and friendship toward Israel. President Peres called Bush a brave leader, adding, "If the world had acted against Hitler the way you acted against Sadam Hussein, the lives of millions of people would have been saved. You stood firmly against terror and a dismal situation while furthering peace in the region and the world."
Peres said "Your call for two states for two peoples living together was maybe ahead of its time, but in the light of history, it is the right vision." President Bush thanked him for their working relationship over the years.