President Barack Obama:

Prime Minister Netanyahu has now been here seven times during the course of my presidency, and I want to indicate that the frequency of these meetings is an indication of the extraordinary bond between our two countries as is the opportunity for the prime minister to address congress during his visit here. I know that's an honor that's reserved for those who have always shown themselves to be a great friend of t united states and is indicative of the friendship between our countries. We just completed a prolonged and extremely useful conversation touching on a wide range of issues. We discussed, first of all, the changes that are sweeping the region and what has been happening in places like Egypt, in Syria, and how they affect the interests and security of the United States and Israel as well as the opportunity for prosperity, growth, and development in the Arab world. We agreed that there is a moment of opportunity that can be seized as a consequence of the Arab spring but also acknowledged there's significant perils as well and it's going to be important for the united states and Israel to consult closely as we see developments unfold. I outlined for the prime minister some of the issues that I discussed in my speech yesterday, how important it was going to be for the united states to support political reform, support human rights, support freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and economic development, particularly in Egypt as the largest Arab country as well as Tunisia, the country that first started this revolutionary movement that's taking place throughout the middle east and north Africa. We also discussed the situation in Syria, which is obviously of acute concern to Israel given its shared border, and I gave more details to the prime minister about the significant steps we are taking to try to pressure Syria and the Assad regime to reform, including the sanctions that we placed directly on president Assad. We continue to share our deep concerns about Iran, not only the threat that it poses to Israel h but also the threat that it poses to the region and the world if it were to develop a nuclear weapon. We upgraded our strategy to continue to apply pressure both through sanctions and our other diplomatic work and I reiterated my belief that it is unacceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. We also discussed the hypocrisy of Iran suggesting it somehow supports democratization in the middle east when, in fact, they first showed the oppressive nature of that regime when they responded to the own peaceable protest that took place inside Iran almost two years ago.

Finally, we discussed the issue of a perspective peace between Israelis and Palestinians. And I reiterated that we discussed in-depth the principles that I laid out yesterday. The beliefs that our ultimate goal has to be a secure Israeli state, a Jewish state, living side by side in peace and security with a functioning and effective Palestinian state. Obviously there are some differences between us in the precise formulations and language, and that's going to happen between friends,  but what we are in complete accord about is that a true peace can only occur if the ultimate resolution allows Israel to defend itself against threats. And that Israel's security will remain paramount in u.s. Evaluations of any perspective peace deal. I said that yesterday in the speech, and I continue to believe it.

And I think that it is possible for us to shape a deal that allows Israel to secure itself, not to be vulnerable, but also allows it to resolve what's obviously been a wrenching issue for both peoples for decade now. I also pointed out, as I said in the speech yesterday, that it is very difficult for Israel to be expected to negotiate in a serious way with a party that refuses to acknowledge its right to exist. And so for that reason, I think the Palestinians are going to have to answer some very difficult questions about this agreement that's been made between Fatah and Hamas. Hamas has been and is an organization that is resorted to terror, that has refused to acknowledge Israel's rights to exist.

It is not a partner for a significant realistic peace process. And so as I said yesterday during the speech, the Palestinians are going to have to explain how they can credibly engage in a serious peace negotiations in the absence of observing the core principles that have been put forward previously. So overall I thought this was an extremely constructive discussion. And coming out of this discussion, I once again can reaffirm that the extraordinarily close relationship between the united states and Israel is sound and will continue and that together hopefully we are going to be able to work to usher in a new period of peace and prosperity in the region that is going to be going through some very profound transformations in the coming weeks, months, and years. So Mr. prime minister, welcome. Great to see you.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

Thank you. Mr. President, first, I want to thank you and the first lady for the gracious hospitality that you have shown me, my wife, and our entire delegation. We have an enduring bond of friendship between our two countries, and I appreciate the opportunity to have this meeting with you after your important speech yesterday. We share your hope and your vision for the spread of democracy in the middle east. I appreciate the fact that you reaffirmed once again now and in our conversation and in actual deed the commitment to Israel's security. We value your efforts to advance the peace process. This is something that we want to have accomplished. Israel wants peace. I want peace. What we all want is a peace that will be genuine, that will hold, that will endure. And I think that we both agree that a peace based on illusions will crash eventually on the rocks of middle eastern reality and that the only peace that will endure is one that is based on reality, on unshakable facts. I think for there to be peace, the Palestinians will have to accept some sic realities. The first is that while Israel is prepared to make generous compromises for peace, it cannot go back to the 1967 lines because these lines are indefensible, because they don't take into account certain changes that have taken place on the ground, demographic changes, that have taken place over the last 44 years. Remember that before 1967 Israel was all of nine miles wide. Half the width of the Washington beltway, and these were not the boundaries of peace. They were the boundaries of repeated wars because the attack on Israel was so attractive. So we can't go back to those indefensible lines and we're going to have to have a long-term military presence along the Jordan. I discussed this with the president. I think that we understand that israel has certain security requirements that will have to come intplace in any deal that we make. The second is -- echoes something the president just id, and that is that israel cannot negotiate with a Palestinian government that is backed by Hamas. Hamas, as the president said, is a terrorist organization committed to Israel's destruction. It's fired thousands of rockets on our cities, on our children. It's recently fired an anti-tank rocket at a yellow school bus killing a 16-year-old boy. And Hamas has just attacked you,  president, an the united states for ridding th world of bin laden. So Israel obviously cannot be asked to negotiate with a government that is backed by the Palestinian version of al qaeda. I think President Abbas has a simple choice. He has to decide if he negotiates or keeps his pact with Hamas or makes peace with Israel, and I can only express what will I said to you just now, that I hope he makes the choice, the right choice, of choosing peace with Israel. The third reality is that the Palestinian refugee problem will have to be resolved in the context of a Palestinian state but certainly not in the borders of Israel. The Arab attack in 1948 on israel resulted in two refugee problems. Palestinian refugee problem and Jewish refugees, roughly the same number, who were expelled from Palestine. Tiny Israel absorbed the Jewish refugees but the vast arab world refused to absorb the Palestinian refugees. Now 63 years later the Palestinians say to us and they say to Israel, accept the grandchildren really and the great grandchildren of these refugees. Thereby wiping out Israel's future as a Jewish state. So it's not going happen. Everybody knows it's not going to happen, and I think it's time to tell the Palestinians forthrightly it's not going to happen. The Palestinian refugee problem has to be resolved. It can be resolved. And it will be resolved if the palestinians choosto do so in a palestinian state. That's a real possibility. But it's not going to be resolved within the jewish state. The president and I discussed all these issues and I think we may have differences here and there, but I think there's an overall direction that we wish to work together to pursue a real, genuine peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors, a peace that is defensible.  president, you are the leader of a great people, the American people, and I'm the leader of a much smaller people --

It's a great people, too. It's the ancient nation of Israel, and, you know, we've been around for almost 4,000 years. We've experienced struggle and suffering like no other people. We've gone through expulsions and Pogroms and massacres and the murder of millions, but i can say that even at the dearth -- even at the nader of the valley of death, we never lost hope and we never lost our aim of re-establishing sovereign state in our ancient homeland, the land of Israel. And now it falls on my shoulders as the prime minister of Israel at a time of extraordinary instability and uncertainty in the middle east to work with you to fashion a peace that will ensure Israel's security and will not jeopardize its survival. I take this responsibility with pride but with great humility cause, as I told you in our conversation, we don't have a lot of margin for error, and  president, history will not give the Jewish people another chance. So in the coming days and weeks and months, I intend to work with you to seek a peace that will address our security concerns, seek a genuine recognition that we wish from our Palestinian neighbors, and give a better future for Israel and for the entire region, and i thank you for the opportunity to exchange our views and to work together for this common end. Thank you, Mr. president.

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The following statement was released by the Office of the Prime Minister:

Israel appreciates President Obama’s commitment to peace.  Israel believes that for peace to endure between Israelis and Palestinians, the viability of a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state.

That is why Prime Minister Netanyahu expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of U.S. commitments made to Israel in 2004, which were overwhelmingly supported by both Houses of Congress.

Among other things, those commitments relate to Israel not having to withdraw to the 1967 lines which are both indefensible and which would leave major Israeli population centers in Judea and Samaria beyond those lines.

Those commitments also ensure Israel’s well-being as a Jewish state by making clear that Palestinian refugees will settle in a future Palestinian state rather than in Israel.

Without a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem outside the borders of Israel, no territorial concession will bring peace.

Equally, the Palestinians, and not just the United States, must recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, and any peace agreement with them must end all claims against Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will make clear that the defense of Israel requires an Israeli military presence along the Jordan River.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will also express his disappointment over the Palestinian Authority’s decision to embrace Hamas, a terror organization committed to Israel’s destruction, as well as over Mahmoud Abbas’s recently expressed views which grossly distort history and make clear that Abbas seeks a Palestinian state in order to continue the conflict with Israel rather than end it.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas’s article in the New York Times that, “This is a gross distortion of well-known and -documented historical facts.  It was the Palestinians who rejected the partition plan for two states while the Jewish leadership accepted it.  It was the armies of Arab countries – assisted by Palestinian forces – that attacked the Jewish state in order to destroy it.  None of this is mentioned in the article.  Moreover, one could conclude from the article that the Palestinian leadership views the establishment of a Palestinian state as a means to continue the conflict with Israel instead of ending it.”

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The following is a statement released by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Israel on your 63rd National Day this May 10 – a young nation, but a rich history that holds deep meaning for so many. Your achievements are a testament to your hardworking citizens, innovative economy, and commitment to democratic institutions. Israel has been a beacon of hope and freedom for so many around the world.

Sixty-three years ago the United States was the first country to recognize Israel’s independence, and that spirit of kinship continues to guide us today. Our two countries are united by a deep, unshakable friendship and bond. We are bound together by our shared values and history pursuing freedom, equality and democracy. And this relationship is deepening every day. Whether it’s our security partnerships or the expanding economic and trade collaborations – our work together is securing a brighter future for all our people.

As you celebrate your independence, the Middle East is experiencing rapid change. This is a moment of uncertainty, but also of opportunity. The security of Israel is – and will remain – a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, and we will continue to strive for a comprehensive peace between Israel and all of its neighbors.

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PM Netanyahu: Elimination of Osama Bin Laden
(Communicated by the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser)

The State of Israel joins the American people on this historic day in celebrating the elimination of Osama Bin Laden. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates US President Barack Obama, America’s military and its intelligence services on this great accomplishment.

“This is a resounding victory for justice, freedom and the common values of all democracies that are resolutely fighting shoulder to shoulder against terrorism.”

Dep FM Ayalon congratulates the U.S. on killing Bin Laden
(Communicated by the Bureau of Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon praised the American administration and its armed forces for killing Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan.

“As someone who was Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. during the formative years of the war on terror, I can testify how hard the administrations in Washington worked to bring Bin Laden and other Al Qaeda leaders to justice,” said Ayalon. “This is a vital psychological tipping point in the war on terror and will send a clear message to terrorists and extremists everywhere that they are not immune.”

“This successful operation proves that sometimes the West needs to take extraordinary measures to defeat terror and provide security for its citizens.”

Dep FM Ayalon is currently visiting the Baltic nations and today will speak and participate at a ceremony at Paneriai where 70,000 Jews were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. “This successful operation sends the important message that terror and evil will find no permanent shelter and will eventually be destroyed, just as the Nazis decades before,” Ayalon said. “The rejoinder to remember and never forget is not about revenge, but about seeking justice. Regardless of time murderers and terrorists will receive the justice they deserve.”

President Shimon Peres on the killing of Osama Bin Laden by the US Armed Forces in Pakistan:

“It is a great piece of news for the free world, it is a great achievement for the security forces of the United States of America, it is a great achievement for the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

This man was a mega-murderer, he killed thousands and thousands of people,  people who were totally innocent.  He would continue to kill, his purpose in life was to kill anyone who doesn’t belong to him.  He tried to murder people and murder nations including the State of Israel. He reached his end.  Terrorists and murderers are so dangerous.  We shouldn’t fall victim to believe that they are immune.  They are weak, they are wrong, they are foolish and we don’t have to stop fighting them – day and night.  Children and women and men can live without any danger of losing their lives because somebody has a crazy idea in his mind.

The world will become a better world without him.  Maybe this is not the end of all terrorism and dangers but an outstanding murderer reached his own justified end.”

DM Barak congratulates US on elimination of Osama Bin Laden
(Communicated by the Defense Minister’s Media Adviser)

Defense Minister Ehud Barak congratulates US President Barack Obama, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the Pentagon leadership and the heads of the US Armed Forces over the elimination of terrorist Osama Bin Laden.

“This is an important achievement for the US in the global war against terrorism.  In this operation, the US has shown determination and operational daring. We have again seen that the leading democracies of the world have a common struggle against terrorism, which will be decided by a multi-faceted joint effort that is far from over,” the Defense Minister said.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening referred to the anticipated agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas:

“The Palestinian Authority needs to choose between peace with Israel and peace with Hamas.  Peace with both is impossible because Hamas aspires to destroy the State of Israel and says so openly.   It fires missiles at our cities; it fires anti-tank rockets at our children.

I think that the very idea of this reconciliation shows the weakness of the Palestinian Authority and causes one to wonder if Hamas will seize control of Judea and Samaria like it seized control of the Gaza Strip.

I hope that the Palestinian Authority chooses correctly, i.e. that it chooses peace with Israel.  The choice is in its hands.”

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The following is an excerpt from a piece originally published in the May/June 2011 edition of Foreign Policy by Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael B. Oren.

What is the definition of an American ally? On an ideological level, an ally is a country that shares America’s values, reflects its founding spirit, and resonates with its people’s beliefs. Tactically, an ally stands with the United States through multiple conflicts and promotes its global vision. From its location at one strategic crossroads, an ally enhances American intelligence and defense capabilities, and provides ports and training for U.S. forces. Its army is formidable and unequivocally loyal to its democratic government. An ally helps secure America’s borders and assists in saving American lives on and off the battlefield. And an ally stimulates the U.S. economy through trade, technological innovation, and job creation.

These benefits of the U.S.-Israel relationship are of incalculable value to the United States, far outweighing any price. Americans know that Israelis have always stood by them, ready to share technology, intelligence, and innovation — ready to aid them in conflict and to make the painful sacrifices for peace. Israel may be one of a handful of countries that fully fits the definition of ally, but its willingness to support the United States unwaveringly makes it the partner par excellence, America’s ultimate ally.

To read the full piece, click here.

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By Ambassador of the State of Israel to the United States Dr. Michael B. Oren.

The Middle East, from North Africa to the Persian Gulf, is in the throes of historic upheaval. The populations that have long suffered under dictatorial and oppressive rulers are rising and demanding freedom. We, in Israel, are watching these events with a sense of awe and anticipation. We ardently hope that our neighbors will someday enjoy the same liberty that we have always cherished.  We have long been proud to say that we are the only democracy in the Middle East; we would be happier, still to say that we are one of many.

Fittingly, Passover is the holiday of freedom. As we celebrate this year, we should be mindful of the yearning of all peoples to live in dignity and enjoy inalienable rights. That is the message of the story of the Exodus, of the Jewish people’s hard-won passage from slavery to freedom. We learn that liberty is not to be taken for granted but, on the contrary, must often be achieved at considerable cost and sacrifice. This is true as much for our ancient ancestors escaping Egypt as it is for modern Egyptians today. Though Passover is a Jewish holiday, its meaning is universal.

Passover also teaches us that there is no true freedom without responsibility. Not insignificantly does the path from bondage in Egypt lead to the revelatory gathering at Mt. Sinai. There, the Jewish people accepted the responsibility of the Law. There they learned that respecting and heeding the Law was the pre-requisite for their survival as an independent, united people. They understood – and that understanding became integral to Jewish identity – that assuming responsibilities is essential to preserving a just and peaceful society.

While we indeed wish our neighbors success in their quest for democracy, so, too, do we expect them to forge societies that are open and tolerant. Unfortunately, we have seen how societies lacking in such qualities can swiftly revert to the worst kind of tyranny. We have seen how democratic movements in Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza were hijacked by extremists and transformed into terrorist strongholds. Therefore, it is crucial that the peoples of the Middle East adhere to the timeless message of the Exodus and that, in achieving freedom, they embrace the responsibility of peace.

This year, as always, Jews will recline at their Seder tables and give thanks for their manifold blessings. In Israel, we will take pride in our prodigious scientific accomplishments, our technological innovation, and the humanitarian assistance we’ve extended to disaster-wrought countries around the world. At the same time, however, we will be aware of the challenges still confronting our country, whether in the form of the thousands of terrorist rockets aimed at our homes or the nuclear ambitions of a radical regime sworn to wipe us off the map. But this Passover, unlike any other of recent memory, will be illuminated by the hope for the emergence of a very different Middle East in which people value not only their own rights but also those of others, a Middle East that respects not only the benefits of freedom but also its obligations. Tonight we will be asking, “Ma nishtana?” – What makes this night different than any other? This year, the night is further distinguished by the possibility that future nights will never be the same.

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President Shimon Peres held a working meeting yesterday with Ambassadors from countries currently serving in the UN Security Council as well as other countries from the Middle East.  Ambassadors from the following countries attended: Russia, France, Britain, India, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Norway, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Portugal and the Palestinian Observer to the UN.

President Shimon Peres received the news about a rocket striking a bus carrying children in the Shaar Hanegev regional council during the meeting with the Ambassadors. The President, who was discussing the security threats from Gaza immediately updated the Ambassadors and said:  “I was just informed that an Israeli bus carrying schoolchildren home from school was hit with a mortar fired from Gaza.  There are reports of injured.  This is a real life example that Gaza has become a terrorist state.  Can the United Nations guarantee that terror attacks will not happen again?  None of you would give up on the safety and security of your citizens just as Israel will stand in its own defense.”  The President pointed out to the Ambassadors that “hundreds of thousands of mothers and their children in Southern Israel cannot sleep at night as a result of the rocket attacks from Gaza.”

The President also commented on the proliferation of flotillas traveling to Gaza and said: “Behind every flotilla is a provocation and a desire for newspaper headlines.  Whoever wants to help Gaza should insist that Gazans stop firing on Israel.”

Regarding the Iranian situation, President Peres told the Ambassadors:  “Israel is not willing to accept that there is a member in the United Nations, Iran, headed by a President who threatens to destroy another member nation of the UN, Israel.  Why do you permit him to do this while allowing him to continue to be a member?  He appears here and calls for destruction and hate.  There is a double standard when it comes to Iran.”

President Peres continued and referred to the Goldstone Report: “It is the same thing with the Goldstone Report –   Israel conducted an investigation into Cast Lead.  We investigated ourselves – not because we were accused of something but rather because the Israeli army is not just based on guns but values as well.  The investigative committee checked 400 incidents and in three cases there was suspicion of wrong doing.  Those soldiers in those three cases stood trial.  Everyone who fights terror – and it makes no difference if he is American, Russian or French knows how complicated it is.”  He added: “I read that Goldstone expressed regret about the report he wrote. Unfortunately fictions exist longer than denials.”

With respect to Israel’s position in the United Nations President Peres said: “We see ourselves as a responsible member of the UN and we want to be a contributing nation but we don’t want to be a victim in the UN because we are a minority.  We can never benefit from a majority.  The blocs in the UN are based on being anti-Israel and we don’t have an opportunity for justice.  In spite of this we will continue to struggle for our defense and fight for peace.  Today, the top priority is the desire to achieve a responsible peace with the Palestinians so that that can achieve independence and we can have security.  If you want to help the Middle East, put an end to conflict as soon as possible.”

Later this morning, Friday, April 8, President Peres plans to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon.   The President will discuss in detail the Goldstone Report, the apologetic op-ed of Judge Goldstone, and the President’s demand to retract and repudiate the report.  The two will also discuss the situation in Gaza, weapons smuggling in the region, and ways to advance the peace process between Israel and its neighbors.

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On Thursday, Hamas launched an anti-tank missile at a school bus in Israel, injuring two including a child who remains in critical condition. Thankfully, the bus was not carrying any more children, though the terrorist organization that controls the Gaza Strip could not have known that when it targeted innocent civilians.

The 16-year-old boy was airlifted to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, where he is currently being treated for severe trauma. The driver was lightly wounded. The teenager had been visiting his grandmother for a few days, and went for a ride with the bus driver, who is a friend of the family.

President Shimon Peres said in response to the attacks that “This is another incident which proves the Gaza Strip has turned into a terrorist zone. No one would give up the safety of his country’s citizens and Israel stands firm on the right to defend itself.  Hundreds of thousands of mothers and children in southern Israel cannot sleep at night as a result of rocket-fire from the Gaza Strip.”The IDF reports that 45 rockets and mortars were fired at the Israeli home front from the Gaza Strip within three hours on Thursday afternoon.

Just a few hours later, Israel’s state-of-the-art anti-missile defense system, “Iron Dome,” marked its first successful run when it shot down two missiles which were on their way to the Israeli city of Ashkelon. This marks the first time in history anyone has been able to shoot down short-ranged missiles. In layman’s terms, this is basically shooting a bullet with another bullet, with everything from range, trajectory, wind and speeds being calculated in just a few seconds.

Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that “‘Iron Dome’ intercepted two projectiles successfully” while meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas in Prague.

The “Iron Dome” system is still in an evaluation period, but it was deployed for combat following the recent increase in terror attacks by Hamas.

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