"We care deeply about the loss of life, and I am troubled by the destruction that has taken place in Lebanon," Bush said when he met with Romanian President Traian Basescu.

However, Bush defended the U.S. position on rejecting an immediate ceasefire by claiming that Hezbollah first started the attacks. "Hezbollah attacked Israel. I know Hezbollah is connected to Iran. And now is the time for the world to confront this danger," Bush said.

The 15-day conflicts between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah have killed some 400 Lebanese, wounded over 1,000 and forced over 500,000 people to leave their homes, causing a severe humanitarian crisis in the country.

However, the United States has voiced support for Israel's military action against Hezbollah, claiming that Israel is defending itself against the attacks by Hezbollah branded by the United States as a terrorist organization.