President Shimon Peres was scheduled to meet US special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell on Tuesday, however the latter postponed the
meeting due to the tensions between
Israel and the US. Peres used his speech at the annual memorial service for deceased Israeli presidents and prime ministers to convey a message to Washington and said, "The friendship with the US is a bond that must not be broken."
He further noted that Israel must "cultivate friendship with other nations, primarily with the US in order to ensure political support at a time of need and a security balance in the face of danger. We must go to great lengths so as not to remain alone."
The president also addressed political issues and said that Israel aspires to reach a peace agreement as an extension of the aspiration of prominent leaders who made historic decisions.
"That is, the need to make painful decisions even if they entail risking human life or a territorial compromise, to bear a great vision and not be deluded. Being loyal to the vision must not lead one to ignore the inevitable reality."
Peres said that the chance for peace must be given precedence at all times. "Today also we face a major decision and must decide without giving up the option for peace, even at the face of external debates."
During the annual event awards and certificates are given to researchers who have commemorated the legacy of Israel's late presidents and prime ministers.
This year professors Yaron Harel and Michael Corinaldi were honored for their documentation of the heritage of late President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, and Professor Meron Medzini was acknowledged for his work on late Prime Minister Golda Meir.
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