[DoughtyOne]

In addition to harsh words for Arafat, Bush insisted Israel must work to reduce the violence.

Give me a _______ break Mr. President.  Addressing Israel in this manner in light of the violence perpetrated against it is outrageous.  It's an absolute insult to anyone's intelligence, including your own.  Israel has shown extreme restraint up until now.  Your dismissal of that fact offends me intensely.

[Texas Cornhusker]

Israel is an independant nation who should deal with its problems, we will continue to support israel but it is up to them to handle their problems. Give me a break, what would satisfy you, it is a maddening situation that will never end, and we should stay out of it, since when does israel's problems trump our own war?

[IoCaster]

In addition to harsh words for Arafat, Bush insisted Israel must work to reduce the violence. He urged Israel to "make sure there is a path to peace as she secures her homeland."

That seems to be a strange misinterpretation of the actual statement that Bush made.

[snippy_about_it]

In perspective he said Israel must find an avenue of peace, WHILE they are defending themselves which they have every right to do so.

His speech was obvious in his support for Israel without cheerleading.

[Thane_Banquo]

In addition to harsh words for Arafat, Bush insisted Israel must work to reduce the violence.

Which is what Israel is doing by attacking Yasser Arafat. Eventually, the Islamists will realize the hard way that they too must operate in accordance with human morality.

[stumpy]

Think about it DoughtyOne. Israel must work to ease the violence. Taking out the Palestinian terrorists IS working to end the violence. Once they've been destroyed, there will be less violence.

[rwfromkansas]

He has said that from day one, but has never actually forced Israel to do so. He just says that for show and diplomatic reasons.

[a_witness]

Israel is working long hard hours, in the IDF in particular, to reduce violence. That is the purpose of the War on Terrorism.