In pictures: Bush visits Israel

George W Bush has begun his first visit to Israel and the West Bank as US president, as he tries to build momentum behind peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

The US president said he glimpsed "a new opportunity for peace in the holy land" and told his hosts the US-Israel alliance "helps guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state".

Mr Bush was joined on the red carpet by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) and Israeli President Shimon Peres (L) as he was greeted by religious leaders.

As Marine One, the helicopter carrying Mr Bush prepared to land in Jerusalem, security was at its tightest since Pope John Paul II's visit to Israel in 2000.

Palestinian and Israeli leaders pledged to tackle core issues dividing them before Mr Bush arrived - and was treated to a song by these children at the Israeli president's residence.

A young girl handed Mr Bush a rose as he arrived to meet with Mr Peres (L), who called on Mr Bush to "stop the madness" of Iran and the militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas.

But the three-day tour by Mr Bush was not welcomed by everyone - some people, like these Gaza print workers, were busy preparing for several planned demonstrations.

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