ReportageThe Guardian: "The White House is placing an emphasis on easing the oppression of the occupation, including the continued expansion of Jewish settlements, while building the framework of Palestinian independence. As a start, Obama was seeking a specific commitment from Netanyahu to a Palestinian state.
For his part, the Israeli prime minister is trying to shift the primary focus away from the Palestinians toward confronting Iran over its nuclear programme while mapping out a long term - and some would say diversionary - strategy to build Palestinian self government. But Netanyahu, who has previously opposed the creation of a Palestinian state, was seeking to side step American pressure to commit himself to independence rather than autonomy."
Bloomberg reports: "President Barack Obama said the U.S. wants to start talks with Iran about that country’s nuclear program after the June elections in Iran." It also reported, Netanyahu says he plans to start peace talks 'immediately'.
Netanyahu told Obama that Palestinians must accept Israel's right to exist. “We’re ready to do our share” to move ahead with peace talks, Netanyahu said after he and Obama met at the White House. The Palestinians “have to recognize Israel as a Jewish state,” he said. A month ago, Netanyahu made the same demand to U.S. envoy George Mitchell as a precondition to talks. After the U.S. rejected this, he backtracked.
Ha'aretz: Obama backs Palestinian statehood, no Iran deadline. Netanyahu supports Palestinian self-governance, does not mention statehood.
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J Street statement on Obama-Netanyahu meeting:
Peace and security for Israel and the Middle East will require more than half-steps and further process. It requires the United States to, as the President said, “roll up our sleeves” and be seriously engaged in the diplomatic process.U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation: Take Action on the Obama-Netanyahu Meeting Today.
The Cable, a blog at Foreign Policy, focused on Obama's assurance to Netanyahu that he understands the urgency of the threat of Iran.
Philip Wiess thought Obama looked tense, or "upset, as he calls for Palestinian 'hopes' to come before Netanyahu's fears." He also reported that Netanyahu met with Jewish political groups, but excluded the emerging pro-peace ones.
