Obama Meets With Netanyahu, Calls Relationship With Israel "Unbreakable"

President Barack Obama met in the Oval Office with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday and attempted to counter the notion that relations between the two countries are strained.

“The bond between the U.S. and Israeli is unbreakable,” Obama told reporters. 

The last face-to-face meeting between the heads of state was in late March, shortly after the White House issued a strong statement criticizing the extension of settlements in the East Bank. Photographers were not allowed to attend and the talks were reportedly icy.

Obama and Netanyahu were scheduled to meet at the White House in early June. However, the controversy surrounding the Israeli military’s confrontation with a humanitarian flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade delayed the plans. 

The two leaders discussed pressing policy issues, including resuming direct peace negotiations with the Palestinians, a possibility that Obama hoped could be achieved before a partial settlement moratorium expires in September, and deterring a nuclear armed Iran.

Obama also reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel’s safety.

“Israel has unique security requirements,” Obama said. “The U.S. will never ask Israel to take risks that would undermine its security.”