Rockets Fired into Israel as They Prepare for President Bush's Visit

Two Katyusha rockets slammed into Israel today as they prepared for U.S. President George W. Bush who is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. According to Haaretz the western Galilee town of Shlomi was struck by two Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon. one rocket caused light damage to a house while the other landed in the street and damaged only an electricity pole, no injuries have been reported.

Israel has filled a complaint with the United Nations Security Council calling this a severe violation of Security Council Resolution 1701, the resolution that brought to an end the second Lebanon war. They are also reporting that two U.N. peacekeepers were wounded by a roadside bomb in southern Lebanon today. Israel is calling for immediate U.N. and Lebanese government action. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said "We will learn what happened together with the army officers, we'll think and decide how to act," Hezbollah refused to comment but an unidentified Lebanese military officer told said "It's baseless and completely fabricated." UNIFIL said it was investigating but "In the meantime, we can't confirm or deny the Israeli claims,"

This attack comes just one day before President Bush is scheduled to arrive. His visit is being described as the most high profile visit since Pope John Paul. over ten thousand security personnel including body guards and snipers are preparing for the visit. All 237 rooms of the hotel David will be taken up by the presidents entourage, One person described it as a mini White house with a little state department thrown in. The trip is scheduled to last 3 days and is aimed towards urging progress in the middle east peace process.