I. US President George W. Bush on the assassination of Israeli Minister Rehavam Ze'evi (considered a 'hard-liner' by his own people), back in October 2001, by Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (which was in retaliation for the assassination of its leader Abu-Ali Mustapha) (through White House spokesman Ari Fleischer):

"The President condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi today. He offers his condolences and those of the United States to Prime Minister Sharon, the Israeli government and people, and the family of Minister Ze’evi… This despicable act is further evidence of the need to fight terrorism."

Weapon used: gun

'Collateral damage:' zero

Official Palestinian reaction: the Palestinian National Authority strongly condemned the attack

Official Israeli reaction: the Israeli government strongly condemned the attack

II. Mr. Bush on the assassination of Palestinian activist/Hamas military wing-leader Salah Shehada on 22 July 2002 (through White House spokesman Ari Fleischer):

"President George Bush saw the attack as a heavy-handed action that is not consistent with dedication to peace"

Weapon used: one-ton missile fired from an Israeli F-16 warplane

'Collateral damage:' leveling of Mr. Shehadeh's house and three others nearby (leaving a huge pile of smoking rubble in a poverty-stricken, crowded Palestinian neighbourhood) killing Salah Shehada and 15 other civilians nine of them children. At least 145 Palestinians were hurt

Official Palestinian reaction: the Palestinian National Authority strongly condemned the attack

Official Israeli reaction: shortly after the strike, Mr. Sharon called the killing of Mr. Shehadeh [i.e. the air raid] "one of our biggest successes"