Bush: Israel Has Right to Protect Itself

US President, George W. Bush, speaks on the phone with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad from his office at his ranch, Crawford, Texas.

By: Associated Press | WSAV News 3
Published: January 05, 2009

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WASHINGTON (AP) - President George W. Bush says he understands "Israel's desire to protect itself," offering his first public comments about the U.S. ally's massive ground invasion into Gaza.

Israel has moved tanks and troops into Gaza to target Hamas militants. From the Oval Office, Bush said Monday that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks by Hamas.

The president says he is still hopeful there will be a cease-fire, which he describes as a noble ambition. But he says no peace deal will work unless it forces Hamas to stop its attacks.