MIDDLE EAST: Serious concern was expressed internationally over Israel's strikes in Lebanon, which Russia and the EU saw as a dangerous escalation of the Middle East conflict. The US said Israel had the right to self-defence.
President Bush defended Israel's attack on Beirut airport, but warned the Israelis that they should be careful not to weaken the fragile Lebanese government.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern called on "all parties to act urgently on the repeated calls to exercise restraint". In a statement last night, he said: "They must co-operate with the diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis without further death and suffering. The Israeli government has a particular and immediate responsibility in this regard.
"Israel has a legitimate right, and a duty, to defend its citizens, but not at the expense of the lives and the welfare of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians," Mr Ahern said, describing Israeli actions as "harshly disproportionate".
"Israel has the right to defend herself," Mr Bush told a news conference, after talks with German chancellor Angela Merkel. His comments contrasted with those of Russia and the EU, which said there could be no justification for Israel's air and sea blockade on Lebanon. "Actions which are contrary to international humanitarian law can only aggravate the vicious circle of violence and retribution," the EU presidency said in a statement.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov denounced both Israel's attack on Lebanon and its operations against the Palestinian territories.
French foreign minister Philippe Douste-Blazy called Israel's bombardment of Beirut airport "a disproportionate act of war", saying there was a real risk of a regional war. Mr Douste-Blazy also condemned Hizbullah's firing of rockets into northern Israel and the seizure of the soldiers, telling Europe 1 radio these were "irresponsible acts".
British prime minister Tony Blair called on all sides to exercise restraint and get back to the negotiating table.