Tuesday, November 10, 2009

In nearly 2 hour meeting with Netanyahu, Obama reaffirms 'strong commitment' to Israel's security

(Haaretz).Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama held a private meeting on Monday night, during which the two discussed Iran's nuclear ambitions as well as stalled Middle East peace talks.

"The president reaffirmed our strong commitment to Israel's security, and discussed security cooperation on a range of issues," said a statement issued by the White House after the one hour and forty minute closed-door session concluded.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Ambassador Michael Oren, National Security Council head Uzi Arad and Netanyahu's envoy in Washignton Yitzhak Molcho joined the premier for part of the meeting.

A press briefing with Netanyahu scheduled for Tuesday morning was canceled. The prime minister leaves Washington on Tuesday for Paris, where he is scheduled to meet with French President Nicholas Sarkozy on Wednesday.