WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- The Anti-Defamation League says it is troubled by President Bush's statement criticizing Israel for its rocket attack against a Hamas leader.
In a Tuesday letter to Bush, ADL National Chairman Glen Tobias expressed appreciation for the president's efforts to bring about a Middle East peace, but added concern about Bush's statement that the assassination attempt against a Hamas militant "does not contribute to the security of Israel."
Tobias wrote Bush: "Israel, like the U.S., has the right to defend itself from terrorism. Only the day before, Hamas once again made clear its intentions by its involvement in a coordinated attack on Israelis and in its unequivocal rejection of ending its war against Israel."
Tobias said he believes "Ultimately it will be necessary for (Palestinian) Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and his forces to dismantle Hamas. Until then, Israel cannot stand idly by while its citizens are slaughtered."
