Obama, Peres Deliver Historic Addresses
In a landmark event, the presidents of Israel and the United States kicked off Policy Conference 2012 on Sunday morning with addresses saluting the robust alliance between the two nations.
The historic speeches by U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli President Shimon Peres highlighted the shared values and common challenges of both nations in an increasingly dangerous Middle East.
President Obama discussed his administration’s strong record of support for Israel, from security assistance and strategic cooperation to diplomatic and political support in international fora.
“We are bound to Israel because of the interests that we share – in security for our communities; prosperity for our people; and new frontiers of science that can light the world,” he said. “But it is our common ideals that provide the true foundation for our relationship.”
President Peres, in turn, expressed his nation’s gratitude for America’s historic support. “America was, is, and will remain the indispensable leader of the free world,” he said. “The indispensable friend of our people. Today more than ever, the world needs America.”
Both leaders also discussed the urgent need for an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians and its importance as a U.S. and Israeli national security interest.
The threat of Iran’s nuclear program constituted a central subject of their addresses. While President Obama said he strongly prefers to resolve the crisis with diplomacy, he asserted that all options remain on the table and rejected calls for a containment strategy.
“A nuclear-armed Iran is completely counter to Israel’s security interests. But it is also counter to the national security interests of the United States,” Obama said. “Indeed, the entire world has an interest in preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”
President Peres condemned Iran’s “evil, cruel, morally corrupt regime,” and highlighted America and Israel’s shared goal of preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
“Peace is always our first option,” said Peres. “But, if we are forced to fight, trust me. We shall prevail.”