Bush cheered for defence of Israel
The president received two dozen standing ovations and cries of "four more years" for his address before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, an influential pro-Israel lobbying group whose political support has been courted by his administration, particularly with an election looming.
Mr Bush made only a passing reference to the latest violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli helicopters pounded a refugee camp on Tuesday, killing at least 12 Palestinians.
"The unfolding violence in the Gaza Strip is troubling and underscores the need for all parties to seize every opportunity for peace," he said.
The president also used the occasion to reflect on the war against terror and US actions in Iraq (news - web sites) in the face of increased bloodshed.
He warned that violence would increase as the June 30 deadline approaches for the transfer of power from the US-led coalition to an interim Iraqi government.
Mr Bush added that insurgents were trying to undermine the will of the coalition and drive it out before democracy takes hold in Iraq.
"It's a historic moment," he said. "The world watches for weakness in our resolve. They will see no weakness. We will answer every challenge. Iraq will be free and Iraq will be a democratic nation."
