Bush: U.S. stands with Israel against foes

JERUSALEM, May 14 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush, speaking Wednesday in Jerusalem, pledged to support Israel against extremists and terrorists, including Hamas and Iran.

"I happen to believe it's an important role of the United states to stand with democracies and to stand strong against terrorists – whether it be to stand with Israel against the existential threat of a nuclear weapons with Iran, or whether it be to stand with the (Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad) Siniora government (against Hezbollah)," Bush said during a two-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Bush was welcomed by Olmert on his second visit to Israel, which is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Jewish state in 1948.

Olmert said the leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza, peace negotiations with Palestinians, and continuing Qassam rocket attacks by Hamas on southern Israel.

Bush, joined by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and national security adviser Stephen Hadley, also visited Israeli President Shimon Peres.