Israel Has 'Bold Ideas,' Bush Says

The focus of the sessions was the tattered state of the Middle East peace process. Since 2002, Bush has pushed for a "road map" to a settlement that would establish a Palestinian state but, with Hamas in power, a brokered deal appears unlikely. "The best solution is one in which there's a negotiated final status," Bush said. But he added: "How can you have two states side by side in peace if one of the partners does not recognize the other state's right to exist?"

Bush's embrace of Olmert could put him further at odds with European allies who see his policy as too tilted toward Israel while he is trying to hold together a transatlantic coalition against Iran's nuclear development program. But for the president, Olmert's strategy may prove the only way to cement any legacy in the historically perilous Middle East peace process.

"This is realistically the best Olmert could hope for on his maiden voyage to the White House," said David Makovsky, director of the project on the Middle East peace process at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "The president signaled that the Olmert concept, while not a full plan, is a constructive move that could lead to a final mutual agreement."

Makovsky noted that before the meeting, "both sides had lowered expectations below the Dead Sea." He added that "in the Middle East, it takes more than one to be unilateral" and what is needed is a "parallel mechanism of contacts" with Abbas. He said it is unrealistic to expect full negotiations, given Abbas's weakened political standing, but that Abbas "should be allowed to shape the plan, to have a vote, not a veto."

Edward G. Abington Jr., a former State Department official and a consultant to the Palestinian Authority, said he felt that Bush's remarks indicated caution about Olmert's plan. "This is the opening of negotiations between Olmert and the Bush administration," he said.

Abington said it was noteworthy that Bush emphasized that any changes must be agreed to by Palestinians and Israelis and that Olmert needs to talk to Abbas, although he said it is unclear how productive such meetings would be. Sharon, he said, tended to have pro forma meetings with Abbas. "There is still the possibility for a Palestinian role. It depends on whether the Palestinians also will be coming up with options on their own."

And yet, even as Bush was urging Olmert to bargain with Abbas, his fellow Republicans in the House pushed through legislation to officially label the Palestinian Authority he heads a "terrorist sanctuary," impose greater restrictions on aid and deny visas to Palestinian officials -- including Abbas. The House voted 361 to 37 to send the bill to the Senate. White House spokesman Tony Snow objected, saying the bill "unnecessarily constrains" the president's authority. Olmert will address a joint session of Congress today.

Olmert used the visit to press Bush about Iran, whose president has called for wiping Israel off the map even as Tehran is allegedly developing nuclear weapons. Although U.S. intelligence believes Iran is years from building a bomb, Olmert believes the turning point could come in months because Iran will gain enough technological know-how to eventually develop a weapon.

"This is a moment of truth," Olmert said. "It is still not too late to prevent it from happening."

Bush repeated his vow to defend Israel against Iran: "In the event of any attack on Israel, the United States will come to Israel's aid."