U.S. President Barak Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the terror attacks in Israel on Thursday.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said that the U.S. government condemns "the brutal terrorist attacks in southern Israel today in the strongest terms our deepest condolences go to the victims, their families and loved ones, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery. The U.S. and Israel stand united against terror, and we hope that those behind this attack will be brought to justice swiftly."

Open gallery view Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House, May 20, 2011. Credit: GPO

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement on Thursday that the "brutal and cowardly attacks near Eilat appear to be premeditated acts of terrorism against innocent civilians".

Clinton said the violence "only underscores our strong concerns about the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula," and urged the Egyptian government to find a lasting resolution. She added that the U.S. stands with Israel "as our friend, partner and ally - now and always."

