Leading Israeli newspaper lauds George Bush

Calcutta News.Net
Friday 2nd January, 2009

One of Israeli's leading newspapers says only one world leader has shown genuine understanding of Israel's dilemma.

The Jerusalem Post says George W. Bush's understanding has been steadfast during Israel's confrontation with Hamas.

The newspaper said Bush's approach contrasted with that of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who initially said he understood Israel's stance, but then allowed the Foreign Office to join with Europe in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

"In contrast, from Texas, where the president has been marking the holidays, his spokesman Gordon Johndroe placed the onus for the hostilities where it belongs: "Hamas's continued rocket attacks into Israel must cease if the violence is to stop," he said. "The administration was satisfied, Johndroe added, that the Israeli army was doing everything possible to avoid civilian casualties," said The Jerusalem Post editorial.

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also blamed Hamas: "We strongly condemn the repeated rocket and mortar attacks against Israel and hold Hamas responsible for breaking the cease-fire and for the renewal of violence there."

"As the week progressed, however, a certain slippage in Rice's rhetoric was discernible," said the Post. "The ceasefire must be restored immediately and fully respected," she said.

The Israeli newspaper's view was that a ceasefire would be premature, and would set the stage for more violence later.

The Jerusalem Post went on to say in its editorial, "This newspaper expresses its appreciation to President Bush for his goodwill, and for the diplomatic backing of his administration. We do not take this support for granted."

"In just 18 days," the article continued, "Barack Obama will be sworn in as America's president. We are reasonably confident that the incoming administration will cut Hamas no more slack than the outgoing one."

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