George W. Bush on Israel

George W. Bush, the 43rd President, maintained a policy of unwavering support for Israel, particularly regarding its security and right to defend itself against terrorist threats. During his administration, he worked toward a two-state solution vision, hosting historic summits like Annapolis, but always tied progress to the cessation of violence and terrorism from Palestinian groups. He made clear that a Palestinian state could not be born of terror and backed Israel's disengagement from Gaza. This commitment to Israel’s security was described as unshakable, even as his administration also engaged with Arab leaders to foster regional peace.

In recent commentary following the October 2023 Hamas attacks, the former president reiterated the necessity of supporting Israel with “no ands, ifs or buts,” characterizing the assault as an act of evil that Hamas bore full responsibility for, including the consequences of Israel’s necessary defensive actions. He recognized that Israel’s response would be difficult, but asserted that the Prime Minister had to do what was necessary to protect the country from what he called “cold-blooded killers.” This consistent stance reflects a core belief that democracies must stand firm against terrorism, a perspective informed by his own administration’s post-9/11 actions.