(Communicated by the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke with U.S. President George Bush after midnight, and thanked him for the United States’ assistance in preserving the interests of Israel in the Security Council resolution. The Prime Minister indicated that President Bush’s statements from the outset of fighting in the north strengthened the people of Israel.
President Bush said that his heart was with the residents of Israel who suffered the attacks perpetrated by the Hizbullah, which he termed a terror organization within a country. In addition, the President expressed his sorrow and conveyed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
President Bush said that he greatly appreciates the Prime Minister’s determined stand in his war against terror. He further mentioned that he was pleased that he had such a brave partner. The two also discussed the matter of Iran.
Later, Prime Minister Olmert spoke with the General Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who updated him regarding the Security Council resolution.
The Prime Minister also spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy, Romano Prodi, who conveyed to the Prime Minister that, following the approval of the Security Council resolution by the State of Israel, Italy would send soldiers to be part of the force in South Lebanon. The Prime Minister spoke as well with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin after the approval in the Security Council.