JERUSALEM — President Bush put an optimistic face on fading hopes for Mideast peace Wednesday, declaring that Israel’s 60-year triumph over war and tragedy shows that democracy can succeed everywhere. But Bush’s upbeat message was marred by rocket fire from Gaza and threats of heavy retaliation by Israel.
Intended as an occasion for celebrating Israel’s birthday, Bush’s visit instead brought bursts of fresh violence, ominous warnings and disputed claims that Israel plans to expand settlement activity in the West Bank, a development that could undermine peace talks with Palestinians. It appeared that all sides were vying for the president’s attention.
Bush and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert discussed the peace process and threats to Israel’s security — only to learn that a rocket fired from Gaza had hit a shopping center in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. At least 14 people were wounded. Two militant groups, the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad and the Hamas-linked Popular Resistance Committees, claimed responsibility.
“What happened today is entirely intolerable and unacceptable,” Olmert declared at a conference Wednesday night where Bush was honored. “The government of Israel is committed to stopping it, and we will take the necessary steps so that this will stop.”
A White House official blamed Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, saying, “Political goals will never be achieved by launching rockets from Gaza onto innocent women and children.”
Politically weakened by corruption allegations, the Israeli leader found it necessary to offer quiet assurances about his standing. “Holding on, holding on. Don’t worry,” Olmert was overheard telling Bush’s national security adviser, Stephen Hadley.
Welcomed as Israel’s closest ally, Bush was the star guest at an evening of music, dance and speeches marking the 60th anniversary of Israel’s founding in the wake of the Nazi genocide of 6 million Jews.
His approval ratings are at record lows at home, but he got a hero’s reception here. With barely 250 days remaining in his presidency, Bush is trying to leave his mark with a historic peace agreement and the foundations for a Palestinian state before he leaves office in January.
In the Gaza Strip, Hamas called Bush’s visit a “bad omen.”
“No greetings to you, Bush, on our holy land,” said Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar.
Israeli military raids on the Gaza Strip killed two Palestinian civilians and three militants on Wednesday, Palestinian medical officials said.
