High Level Meetings Between US and Israel

This week will bring about a series of high level meetings. Netanyahu is hoping that the meetings will bring about an understanding between Israel and the United States administrations.

Netanyahu said in a cabinet meeting: “Naturally, in the context of friendly relations between allies, there isn’t agreement on all points, and on several issues we are trying to reach an understanding, in order to make progress together toward our shared goals — peace, security and prosperity for the whole Middle East.”

Meetings this week will include Middle East Envoy George Mitchell, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, National Security Adviser James Jones, and Middle East expert Dennis Ross.

Israel hinted that it might be time for Obama to step up to his promise that if fruitful discussions with Iran do not take place, the US will take forceful action. The other point of contention, of course, is the settlement issue. I don’t consider my old neighborhood in Jerusalem a settlement, but the US is looking to chop it out of Israel. This week may be pivotal in discussions on settlements and Iran. I will keep you posted.