Obama defends Israel, says he wants Mideast peace

President Barack Obama says he's working to get the Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks.

At a town hall meeting in Tampa on Thursday, Obama declined under questioning to condemn Israel for actions against the Palestinians.

He said Israel is a strong US ally and that he will never waver from helping Israel keep its people safe in a hostile Middle East. But Obama also said the situation facing the Palestinian people is one that needs attention, too. He said he is seeking a solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace. (AP)