Bush tells Knesset US 'stands by Israel in war on terror'

During special Knesset session in his honor, US president criticizes deadly tactics of extremist groups, denounces anti-Semitism, 'especially by those who want to wipe Israel off the map.' PM tells Bush 'future peace agreement based on your vision will be approved by this house and by the Israeli public'

Ynet reporters
Latest Update: 05.15.08, 15:15 / Israel News

"I'm honored to be here… America is proud to be Israel's closest ally and best friend in the world; our alliance is unbreakable," visiting US President George W. Bush told a special Knesset session held in his honor Thursday.

"You have worked tirelessly for peace and freedom. When Americans look at Israel we see a pioneering spirit, talent and determination of a free people refusing to let any obstacle stand in the way of their destiny," Bush said.

Bush went on to criticize the deadly tactics of extremist groups and denounced anti-Semitism, especially by those who want to wipe the nation "off the map."

"We believe that religious liberty is fundamental to civilized society, so we condemn anti-Semitism in all forms, whether by those who openly question Israel's right to exist, or by others who quietly excuse them," he said.

Bush pledged that the United States has an unbreakable bond with Israel.

"Some people suggest that if the United States would just break ties with Israel, all our problems in the Middle East would go away," the US president said in his prepared address.

"This is a tired argument that buys into the propaganda of our enemies, and America rejects it utterly. Israel's population may be just over 7 million. But when you confront terror and evil, you are 307 million strong, because America stands with you."

During the historic address Bush also referred to the Iranian threat, saying that allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons would be an "unforgivable betrayal of future generations."

"Permitting the world's leading sponsor of terror to possess the world's deadliest weapon would be an unforgivable betrayal of future generations. For the sake of peace, the world must not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon," the American leader said.

"America stands with you in firmly opposing Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions."

Bush continued to say that "in 60 years Israel will be celebrating its 120th Independence Day, the Palestinians will have their own state… Iran and Syria will be peaceful nations, Hamas, al-Qaeda and Hizbullah will be defeated, the Middle East will be a peaceful region and Israel and its neighbors will be best of friends."