President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed close US-Israeli ties on Tuesday, during a tightly choreographed White House appearance designed to quiet disputes over Iran and Middle East peace.
Speaking at the Oval Office, Obama admitted it was “no secret” the two men disagreed on how to counter Iran’s nuclear program, but both sought to end bitter public rancor and focus on areas of cooperation, including a $30-billion-plus military deal.
The designed-for-television display of cordiality signaled Obama and Netanyahu’s willingness to avoid unnecessary drama in the last 12 months of working together.
Obama -- who leaves office in early 2017 -- offered the combative Israel Prime Minister a lengthy handshake and hailed the “extraordinary bond” between the two countries. Obama said Israel’s security was a “top” foreign policy priority for his White House.
Officials told AFP the deal will include the sale of advanced US weapon systems, perhaps including hi-tech F-35 jets, precision munitions and V-22 Ospreys. The deal will only come into effect after a current accord expires in 2017.
“We have closer military and intelligence cooperation than any two administrations in history,” Obama said.