January 21, 2006	Saturday	Zilhaj 20, 1426

WASHINGTON, Jan 20: If Israel is attacked, the United States will ‘obviously’ militarily support its close Mideast ally, US Vice-President Dick Cheney said in an interview with CNBC television on Thursday.

Mr Cheney was asked if Washington would come to the military assistance of Israel if Iran or any group it allegedly sponsors attacked Israel.

“I don’t think there’s any question but what we would support Israel under those circumstances. I think any administration would,” said Mr Cheney.

When pressed on the details of military assistance, Mr Cheney said: “Obviously, we would support our friends in Israel under those circumstances were they attacked.” —AFP