The US in All This

Bush defends Israel, warns against weakening Beirut [Reuters]

U.S. President George W. Bush defended on Thursday Israel's attacks on targets in Lebanon but said the Israelis should be careful not to weaken the fragile government there.

..."Israel has the right to defend herself," Bush said. "Secondly, whatever Israel does though should not weaken the Siniora government in Lebanon," he added, referring to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

..."The concern is that any activities by Israel to protect herself will weaken that government or topple that government. We have made it clear in our discussions," Bush said. "Having said all that, people need to protect themselves."

Bush and Merkel call for end to conflict in Middle East [Expatica]

The latest round of tensions came as there was a "a clear and achievable vision" of a two-state solution in the Middle East, Bush said. "When peace advances, the terrorists want to stop it."

U.S. Pulls Ship Out of Haifa [Israel National News]

The order came following Thursday's Katyusha rocket barrage that hit several miles east of Haifa.

And here, for your viewing pleasure, is an illustration of the American government's philosophy on facing the terrorist threat: Pay some lip service to your only Middle East ally, then cut and run from their shores as quickly as possible.

Bush Lebanon Israel Hizbollah terrorism