Vice President Joe Biden, who arrived in Israel on Monday afternoon, begins his official visit today, Tuesday. Mr. Biden joined President Shimon Peres for breakfast in the official Presidential Residence, and later in the morning he met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Following the meeting, the prime minister spoke of the “unbreakable bond” that exists between Israel and the United States, leading to statements to “lead the international community to bring tough sanctions against Iran”.

“I also appreciate the administration’s effort to advance peace in the region. I know this has been difficult and demands patience… we must be persistent and purposeful towards reaching the arrangements that will solve this conflict… the permanence and legitimacy of the Jewish state must be recognized by our Palestinian neighbors”.

Mr. Biden confirmed the long-term friendship with the prime minister, even when they were both in “the minority”, stressing the strong relationship with Israel in the past, a “centerpiece” which he stressed would continue in the future.

“Our two countries are bound by historic and cultural ties too numerous… the cornerstone of the relationship is an absolute untarnished commitment to Israel’s security…we are determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and we are working with many countries around the world to compel to meet its international commitments…President Obama and I strongly believe that the best long-term guarantee for Israel’s security is a long-term commitment to peace with the Palestinians and Lebanon” and others.

The vice president stressed the “talks” must lead to direct negotiations with Israel and the “Israelis and Palestinians must live side-by-side in peace… and both sides most make bold historic commitments,” acknowledging the strong steps taken by Israel in the past year, mentioning the construction freeze. He added the PA is reforming its security forces and government, and security agencies are “much more reliable”.

“The United States will always stand with those willing to take risks for peace”.

While the vice president is seeking Israeli guarantees that Israel will not launch a military strike against Iran without White House approval, Mr. Netanyahu is pushing for crippling sanctions against Iran before the diplomatic option is no longer a viable one.

US intelligence officials feel if the sanctions take a number of months to implement they will still be effective but in Israel, the timetable is considerably more urgent, unwilling to accept the US assessment.

Later in the day, Mr. Biden is scheduled to meet with opposition leader MK Tzipi Livni. He will also be visiting the graves of Theodore Herzl and Yitzchak Rabin.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)