Allowing Iran to build nuclear weapons would mark an “unforgivable betrayal of future generations”, George W. Bush told the Israeli parliament on Thursday, promising that the US would continue to stand with the Jewish state in future confrontations.

The US president spoke to the Knesset as part of the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Israel’s creation. Mr Bush hailed the close alliance between the US and Israel, but also offered strong criticism of politicians advocating dialogue with countries such as Iran – remarks that appeared to be aimed at Barack Obama, the likely Democratic contender for the US presidential elections later this year.