United States President George Bush gave support to Israel's Operation Cast Lead on Monday. In his final press conference before leaving office, Bush said Israel “has the right to defend itself,” and said a ceasefire must mean the complete cessation of rocket attacks from Gaza.
Whether or not a ceasefire is possible depends on Palestinian Authority terrorists, Bush said. “The choice is Hamas's to make,” he told reporters.
Bush also criticized European politicians who blame Israel for the conflict, saying many do so in order to gain popularity with anti-Israel nations. America has not sacrificed its principles for popularity, he suggested.
If the international community wants fighting in Gaza to end, it must pressure terror-supporting states to stop supplying Hamas with weapons, Bush continued. In addition, the world should help Egypt prevent weapons smuggling to Gaza.
Bush defended his own efforts to obtain a diplomatic agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. American officials worked to promote an agreement in various ways, he said, training and equipping PA forces, promoting economic development in PA-controlled areas and supporting PA democracy, according to the US President. He blamed terrorist groups such as Hamas and Al-Qaeda for the current lack of an Israel-PA peace deal.
The outgoing president discussed the situation in Iraq, where U.S. troops have succeeded in lowering the level of daily violence. America has done what it can, Bush said, adding that the survival of Iraqi democracy will depend on future US presidents. He mentioned Iran and North Korea as well, terming them “still dangerous” and “still a problem” in turn.
President Bush will step down on January 20, to be replaced by U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.