He also hopes to inject some momentum into the current peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. On arrival, Mr Bush said Israel and the US were united in democracy, trade and in fighting terror. Israeli people are "our close friends", he added. Meanwhile, a rocket reportedly fired from Gaza hit a shopping centre in the Israeli city of Ashkelon. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was having talks with President Bush in Jerusalem, said Israel would not tolerate attacks from Gaza militants. Earlier, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Mr Bush had stood alongside Israel "like nobody else". Mr Bush has said he believes a full peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians is possible by the time he leaves office in January next year. |
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