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Bush in Israel on Peace Mission

President hopes to accelerate talks, but Olmert's position is fragile

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2008 6:32 AM CST

(Newser) – George W. Bush has arrived in Tel Aviv for his first presidential visit to Israel, where he hopes to boost momentum on the peace talks launched in Annapolis. Haaretz reports that both President Shimon Peres and PM Ehud Olmert met the president at the airport. Overshadowing the visit, though, is a threat by one of Olmert's coalition partners to quit the government and topple the PM.

Yesterday Olmert and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas agreed to restart stalled talks, which Bush hopes to accelerate. "We see a new opportunity for peace here in the holy land," said Bush, a sentiment echoed by the Israeli cabinet. But the head of the hard-line Israel Our Home party is threatening to quit the governing coalition because of "the direction that this government is taking."

US President George W. Bush walks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, and Israeli President Shimon Peres, left, during an arrival ceremony at Ben Gurion International Airport Wednesday, Jan.... (Associated Press)

President Bush, left, speaks to Israeli Foreign Minister Tzip Livni as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Omert, second right, looks on during a state welcoming ceremony at Ben Gurion International Airport near... (Associated Press)

Israeli right wing activists hold posters showing US president George W. Bush,left, and Israel's President Shimon Peres , wearing traditional arab headdresses during a demonstration in the east Jerusalem... (Associated Press)

A bathrobe emblazoned with the name of U.S. President George W. Bush is seen in a suite at the King David Hotel where he will be staying, in Jerusalem, in this photo taken, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008. President... (Associated Press)

US President George W. Bush, right, shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, left, as Israeli President Shimon Peres, center, looks on during an arrival ceremony at Ben Gurion International... (Associated Press)

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Bush in Israel on Peace Mission

President hopes to accelerate talks, but Olmert's position is fragile

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Bush in Israel on Peace Mission

President hopes to accelerate talks, but Olmert's position is fragile

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Israel • Ehud Olmert • Palestine • Shimon Peres • Israel and Palestinians • Kadima • Avigdor Lieberman • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Bush Arrives in Israel to Press for Peace

Skepticism surrounds his efforts as weakened Olmert faces possible ouster

Israeli Right Wingers Abandon Olmert

Group withdraws from coalition, condemns peace talks

Bush Calls for End to Israeli 'Occupation'

Says 'swiss cheese' state won't do for Palestine

Bush Meets With Olmert, Abbas

Bush jump-starts peace talks a day ahead of Annapolis summit

Bush's Palestine Play Doomed

Prez's late peace push faces bigger problems than Clinton's failed effort

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?