Israel (and Beyond) Live Coverage: Obama Pays A Visit

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1908 GMT: Israel Press Conference. Obama was pressed (with at least 4 questions) from Chuck Todd to explain his slow progress with regards to the peace process with Palestine. Obama seemed to insinuate that he'd like to focus more on this issue in term two, but that politics in Israel and Palestine have gotten in the way, just as they have with his domestic agenda.

He stressed that Israel will be more secure, Palestine stronger, and the entire region enriched by a solution, but it's a six-decade-old problem that won't be easy to solve.

Netanyahu, seeming to forget all of Todd's questions, went back to Iran. He said that Iran was enriching uranium, but that they could develop a weapon within a year. The enrichment process is ongoing, however, so every day is one day closer to a nuclear Iran.

Neanyahu stressed that Obama had pledged historically-significant levels of support for Israel, including a ten-year commitment to extend military support for Israel.

1905 GMT: Israel Press Conference. Netanyahu stressed that Israel has a right to defend itself. Obama stressed that there was "not a lot of daylight between our two countries" as far as their intelligence concerns with Iran were concerned.

Each country has to make its own decision re military action.

On the Palestinian issue, Obama stressed that he was disappointed with the rate of progress. He did praise the role of the Palestinian Authority, and suggested that he hoped that Palestinians could feel that they were "masters of their own fate" and that they could take part in a thriving regional economy.

This hasn't happened, neither has Israel been freed from the fear of rockets falling on them.

Then an interesting line from Obama - he'll consider the trip of a success if he spends more time listening than talking.

1859 GMT: Israel Press Conference. The two leaders were pushed on "red lines." Obama stressed that their intelligence communities are working on the issue of Iran's nuclear program together, though each has to make its own decisions. "Israel is differently situated than the United states," Obama said, insinuating that the US may not be able to militarily assist Israel if Bibi jumps the gun. It is stressed again that diplomacy is in "everybody's interest," including the US, Israel, and Iran.

The goal is to break Iran out of isolation, but it needs to "take that step" and negotiate with the international community.

What if diplomacy fails? "All options will be left on the table."

1848 GMT: Press Conference. The first question is about Syria, specifically about yesterday's attack. Obama said that he intends to investigate yesterday's incident, but that it is important to know exactly what happened. He said that his team is investigating "whether or not this 'red line' has been crossed." He said that some in Assad's government not only have these weapons but have expressed the desire to use these weapons if they are threatened, and he said that he is deeply skeptical of claims that the rebels used chemical weapons.

There will be no announcement today about "next steps."

Obama appears to be flushing out the red line. The international community "has to act" if chemical weapons are used.

Obama then stressed that he has supported the opposition, has provided humanitarian aid, and has isolated the Assad regime geopolitically. He stressed the need to deal with Syria as an international coalition because the Syrian crisis is a "world problem."

"We will continue to push every lever that we have to try to bring about a resolution inside of Syria."

1839 GMT: Press Conference. Obama's turn. First, jokes about how ugly he and Netanyahu are. Next, Obama praised "Bibi" on their tenth meeting, reiterating the alliance between the US and Israel. Security is defined as the primary purpose for both of their governments.

President Obama discussed extending military assistance for Israel, stressing that "Iron Dome" is a priority. A two state solution was also set as a priority. The West Bank's security situation was praised in particular, as last year was the first in a decade that no Israeli citizens were killed by strikes from there.

Then Syria - the US is working to "hasten the end of Bashar al Assad." Obama said that every "conventional weapon" has been used, including Scuds, and he said he shared his concern about the movement of chemical weapons.

No mention of yesterday's attacks.

Iran was defined as a "potential existential threat" to Israel, and stressed that diplomacy was the preferred way to end the crisis. "All options are on the table."

1836 GMT: Press Conference. Netanyahu started by thanking Obama for support in light of Iran's nuclear program. "Diplomacy and sanctions so far have not stopped Iran's nuclear program," Netanyahu began, adding that the threat of military action is crucial in making these other means work.

He also stressed that Israel has the right and capability to defend itself.

Netanyahu then moved on to Syria. He stressed the suffering and death, and said he shared Obama's determination to ensure that the "deadly arsenal of chemical weapons do not fall into the wrong hands." Netanyahu then reiterated the desire for peace with Palestine and the establishment of a two-state solution.

His opening comments are summary. We'll see if things get interesting soon.

1835 GMT: Obama and Netanyahu Speak. You can watch the live press conference from Israel here. Obama and Netanyahu are speaking now.

1312 GMT: Palestine. Hundreds of Palestinians have set up about 15 tents, in the disputed E1 territory in the West Bank, as a new "Bab al Shams" village.

The original Bab al Shams was established, and soon overrun by Israeli troops, on the opposite hillside two months ago.

The activists said they aimed "to claim our right as Palestinians to return to our lands and villages", "to claim our sovereignty over our lands without permission from anyone", "[to protect] our land from continued confiscation and threat of settlement and colonization", and "to expand popular resistance as one form of resistance, out of many, that our people are engaged in everywhere".

1252 GMT: Israel. Barack Obama has arrived in Israel for his first visit as US President.

Obama was welcomed by President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Netanyahu greeting, "Thank you Mr President for upholding the Jewish people's right to a Jewish state in our historic homeland."

Obama responded with a reaffirmation of "the unbreakable bond between our nations" and "America's unwavering commitment to Israel's security". For what it is worth, he did not refer directly to Palestinians: "[I want] to speak directly to the people of Israel and to your neighbours....Even as we are clear eyed about the difficulties, we will never lose sight of the vision of an Israel at peace with its neighbours."

The US President then inspected a battery of the American-supported Iron Dome missile defence system, "The US investments in support for the Iron Dome System has been one of the clearest manifestations of our support for Israel and its security. We’re very proud that the Iron Dome System has saved numerous Israeli lives in helping to deal with the threat from rocket fire."

Obama, Netanyahu, and Peres are now in meetings throughout the afternoon.