Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., January 20, 2008 Shvat 13, 5768 | | Israel Time: 04:14 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

U.S. President Bush and PM Olmert arriving for a joint press conference last week in Jerusalem. (AP) Last update - 09:58 16/01/2008 Bush: Olmert's coalition strong, can withstand peace process By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Israel, Middle East  U.S. President George Bush left Israel last Friday convinced that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's coalition was stable enough to advance the peace process, a senior Western diplomat said Tuesday. And that, according to the diplomat, was one of the purposes of Bush's trip: to evaluate the Israeli political situation for himself, in order to decide whether it was worth investing time and energy in the peace process. Bush made this clear at a dinner with Olmert and his senior ministers, including Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beiteinu) and Eli Yishai (Shas). "Do I need to be worried?" Bush asked, according to the diplomat. "I'm willing to invest great effort here over the next year, but tell me whether it's worthwhile or not, so I don't waste my time." Advertisement Bush also tried to reassure his hosts. "Don't worry. I won't impose an agreement on you," he said. "I'll encourage you to reach an agreement, but I won't dictate what's in it." Later, he added: "I know how important security is to you, and I can provide you with security guarantees. You have no better friend than the U.S. and no stronger supporter than I. We have common enemies." According to the diplomat, who compared Bush to a businessman examining a deal before investing his money, the president left the meeting convinced that Olmert's government was not in danger: "Bush hinted to the ministers that if there weren't a stable coalition, he would not invest himself in the process. The fact that he announced he would return in May shows clearly that he believes there is a chance." Meanwhile, however, Bush must decide what to do about Gaza. There is growing support in Washington for reopening the Gaza border crossings, despite Israel's objections. Yet the administration also wants to continue isolating Gaza's Hamas government. Related articles: Bush implores government ministers to keep Olmert in power Bush visit transforms Abbas' Ramallah headquarters Background / Bush's road map: Doomed to Oslo's fate? Bookmark to del.icio.us   Flip-flop on torture Responding to pressure, Canada takes U.S., Israel off a torture watchlist. Impending crisis UN warns of humanitarian crisis as Israel seals Gaza Strip crossings.   1.   BUSH NOW A PAWN OF STATE DEPT ARABISTS 05:03  |  G. Marcus 16/01/08   2.   Israel welcomes American money and support, not involvement 06:10  |  Natallie Durson 16/01/08   3.   Bush, Israel is not for sale! 08:10  |  Avraham 16/01/08   4.   The following paragraph is very disturbing...... 08:19  |  Miriam 16/01/08   5.   B`H` we can be sure now ,that the goverment will fall soon. 08:34  |  Yisrael Yitchock 16/01/08   6.   ELECTIONS NOW THIS IS THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE 10:29  |  Lou Knee 16/01/08   7.   Bush ending his presidency doing the right thing 10:56  |  Ivar 16/01/08   8.   No NIE Report on Liebermans depature.? 13:20  |  Stephen. 16/01/08   9.   BUSH STILL DON`T GET IT 13:41  |  indrajaya 16/01/08   10.   Peace with hammas..you are kidding, right? 15:08  |  Joe 16/01/08   11.   Can the peace process withstand hammas.. 15:39  |  Joe 16/01/08   12.   bush 19:32  |  matt 16/01/08   13.   Bush: Olmert`s coalition strong 02:44  |  Karen Heston 17/01/08   14.   indrayaya. isr. is puppet of u.s, i believe 03:02  |  bozhidar balkas 20/01/08

Today Online IDF kills two Gaza militants; Qassam strikes Sderot Responses: 553 Hamas policy: Escalation to force Gaza cease fire Responses: 272 Nasrallah: Hezbollah has the body parts of IDF soldiers Responses: 241 Benvenisti: Bush, Olmert, Abbas, the three stooges Responses: 78 Kaffiyeh-wearing protesters greet new Israeli envoy to U.K. Responses: 291 Rosner's Domain Blog & Poll: Can Joe Lieberman convince Jews in Florida to vote for McCain? Difference between Ahmadinejad and Khamenei (WTR) The Israel Factor: Bloomberg good only without Hagel Rosner's Mailbox: Brzezinski against 'right of return' because of Poland Shas voters do not want American Jews in Jerusalem debate More Headlines 03:33 Sources: Hezbollah has body parts of IDF soldiers 19:20 Canada takes close allies U.S., Israel off torture watchlist 20:09 IDF kills two militants in Gaza; Qassam rocket strikes Sderot 23:39 Egyptian troops kill African man trying to cross border to Israel 01:56 Ukraine rejects more T.A. flights, despite Bratslav demands 02:09 Assad: Damascus is the capital of culture and resistance 03:48 Organ donations from stroke victim save four lives 16:56 UN warns of humanitarian crisis as Israel seals Gaza crossings 02:56 Paranormalist Uri Geller is working his magic on German TV show Previous Editions Select Day 18 jan 17 jan 16 jan 15 jan 14 jan 13 jan 11 jan 10 jan 09 jan 08 jan 07 jan 06 jan

Special Offers Advertisement Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Teach & Study Program make a difference in Israel FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer Inbal Jerusalem Hotel Unbeatable rates at the Finest hotel in Jerusalem Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations AMERICANS CHOOSE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE U.S. citizen in Israel vote in Democrats-Abroad official global primary.

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved