“It has never changed in the sense of a very strong, deeply felt commitment and policy in terms of our own interests of having the closest possible relationship with Israel, in helping Israel achieve its goals of security, its qualitative military edge, its ability to defend itself, particularly in a very chaotic and dangerous region, and its goals of achieving peace with its neighbors, including a two-state solution with the Palestinians,” Shapiro said.
“Those have always been bedrock principles and nothing about them has changed, even though we have been through complicated periods in this relationship, even though particularly in the last year, we’ve been through very public disagreements in this relationship.”
According to the White House, the two leaders tackled regional security issues, including the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, how to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and countering Tehran’s destabilizing activities.
In his public comments, Obama referenced the differences with Netanyahu over the Iran nuclear deal but said both leaders are committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Netanyahu thanked Obama for his commitment to Israel’s security.
Obama condemned the recent wave of terrorism in Israel, saying it is his “strong belief that Israel has not just the right but the obligation to protect itself.”
Netanyahu assured Obama that he remains committed to see “two states for two peoples, a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes a Jewish state.”
JNS