John McCain, the US senator, yesterday challenged European leaders who have criticised Israel's military operations in Lebanon as excessive, saying that "no nation in the world would react any differently than Israel has".

"I continue to be amazed by some of our European friends who have called on the Israelis" to rein in their military campaign in Lebanon, Mr McCain said. "Do I want the Israelis to exercise restraint? Yes, but only while doing what they need to do to ensure theirsecurity."