Bush To Go On 9-Day Middle East Tour

In January, United States President George W. Bush plans to make his first visit to both Israel and the West Bank. This will be his first visit as US President. The visit is an attempt to revive the Middle East process towards peace.

The visit to both Israel and the West Bank is part of US President George W. Bush’s plans to build on the progress that was made at the talks between Israel and Palestine at the Annapolis talks in Annapolis, Maryland. This is to help the sides work towards peace and reconciliation. The tour is to last for about nine days. George W. Bush plans to also visit the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. According to White House spokeswoman, Dana Perino, President Bush will meet both Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem. Bush will also hold talks in the West Bank with both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. While George W. Bush did visit Israel, it was when he was governor of Texas. Ever since becoming president in January 2001, George W. Bush has not been back to Israel since.