Monday October 8, 2:40 AM

Israel calls U.S. attack a "brave decision"

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres called the U.S. attack on Afghanistan on Sunday a "brave decision" by President George W. Bush.

"I think that all us, first of all, are praying for the welfare of the American army and its allies," Peres said on Israel's Channel Two television in the first official Israeli reaction to the start of the military campaign.

"It is a brave decision by the president, along with (his) very convincing and touching speech," Peres said, referring to Bush's televised address from the White House after the attack got under way.

Peres said that an hour before the attack, "the prime minister (Ariel Sharon) received an announcement from the president...I do not think they gave us or will give us operational details".

Israeli media had reported that Washington gave Israel early warning of the operation several hours before the strike began.

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2001

Answers

Sharon's comments were encouraging as well.

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2001