Obama and Netanyahu: Alliance stronger than ever
Photo: Avi Ohayon, GPO
Obama tells rabbis: Bond with Israel unbreakable
Obama continues to court Jewish vote: Following what is being seen as a pro-Israeli speech at the UN, Obama meets with 900 US rabbis, reiterates commitment to Israel's security
NEW YORK – A day after he made what is being called his "Zionist speech" at the UN General Assembly in New York, US President Barack Obama was back in the White House where he held a conference call with over 900 orthodox, conservative and reform rabbis from throughout the US ahead of the Jewish new year.
During the 30 minute call, Obama assured the rabbis that the US-Israel alliance was stronger than ever before.
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"Prime Minister Netanyahu knows he can count on the United States," Obama told the rabbis. "We will not abandon the pursuit of a just and lasting peace that will end the conflict."
He then noted that "the bonds between the US and Israel are unbreakable and the commitment of the security of Israel is ironclad. Since coming into office, I haven't just talked the talk, we've walked the walk."
Obama also spoke about the recent events in Egypt and the Middle East uprisings and noted that the progress towards peace with the Palestinians could cool down the region.
"The most important thing we can do to stabilize the strategic situation for Israel is if we can actually resolve the Palestinian-Israeli crisis because that's what feeds so much of the tumult in Egypt.
"That's what I think has created the deep tension between Turkey and Israel and Turkey has historically been a friend and ally of Israel's. That's why we think direct negotiations are so critical."
Obama also focused on the need to maintain the peace arrangement between Egypt and Israel and the importance of keeping communication lines between the two sides open and made it clear that the message has also been sent to Cairo.
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