Pres. Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Meet in Washington

Story by C-Span
Photo by AP

How to stop Iran’s nuclear weapons program will be the focus of discussions when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits with Pres. Obama at the White House.. Netanyahu is in Washington to meet with members of congress and the administration.
 
The Netanyahu-Obama meeting is expected to focus on the Iranian nuclear weapons issue.  The U.S. and Israel have both stated that they are in full agreement towards the goal of preventing Iran's nuclear armament and issuing strong sanctions.

Both leaders will also work on a timetable for negotiations with Iran and steps towards success. Israel is concerned that extended negotiations will eliminate opportunity for a military action in Iran.

On Wednesday, North Korea offered to open its nuclear program to international inspectors in exchange for food. At the same time, Israel is threatening to take military action against Iran as international efforts to contain Tehran's nuclear program remain deadlocked.

Ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, Israel’s deputy foreign minister assessed that economic pressure which appeared to have brought a breakthrough in nuclear negotiations with North Korea is unlikely to work on Iran.

Though, in an interview with The Atlantic, Pres. Obama said that Americans "instinctively sympathize with Israel." He added, "I think that the Israeli government recognizes that, as president of the United States, I don't bluff."

P.M. Netanyahu last visited Washington in May 2011.  At that time he addressed a joint session of Congress.  During his address, he spoke about Israel's challenges with Iran.  he said that  "Israel always reserves the right to defend itself… we’ll never give up our quest for peace… because we want peace, because we need peace.”