Israeli News: A Daily Analysis Meetings in Cairo and Damascus

A Daily Analysis

May 5, 2009- Dueling Meetings in Cairo and Damascus- Peres Obama Meeting

Dueling discussions took place today; one in Cairo and one in Damscus. The first meeting took place between Syrian President Assad and Iranian President Ahmedinejad. At that encounter the two pledged unlimited support for Hamas and Hezbollah. The accompanying images on TV certainly conveyed two leaders very happy with themselves.

While in Cairo, President Mubarak of Egypt, King Fuad of Saudi Arabia, and King Husein of Jordan met with US Defense Secretary Gates. At this gathering Gates assured the participants the United States was standing behind them and not making any secret deals with Iran. Gates publicaly stated that the United States was disappointed with the Iranian response to America’s open hand. It was not planning to close that hand yet, but if the Iranian response did not change, there would be no sense in pursuing it.

There is talk of a major effort by the Egyptians to convince the Netanyhu government to accept some part of the Arab peace plan. An unprecedented sense mutual interests' have been created between Israel and the moderate Arab states– led by Egypt and fueled by the recent events between Cairo and Iran. Egypt however, feels it needs a sense the peace process is moving forward to inoculate itself against charges of "collaboration" with Israel. Washington clearly wants the same thing. The Israeli government has clearly been getting the message. When President Peres met with President Obama today, he spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Netanyhu and stated Israel accepts all previous agreements. The meeting with Peres was closed to the press– a decision that disappointed Israeli diplomats.

Vice President Biden was the main US government speaker at the AIPAC conference. Biden ended his speech speech, with the usual platitudes supportive of Israel, however, emphasizing that "delaying the pursuit of these goals is not an option. It's easier, but it is not an option. And the longer we wait, the harder it will be. Now is the time to work together for the promise of a better day, and for the success and strength and security of our most-treasured ally, Israel."

Finally, I must comment on the decision of UN Secretary General Bn Ki-Moon to bury a UN investigative report on Israel’s actions in Gaza. The report was completely biased, did not mention Hamas’s firing of missiles into Israel, and ignored all the evidence that the IDF presented. Nothing new for the United Nations. Ban Ki Moon however said the report had no judicial value and he criticized the report for not discussing the missile attacks on Israel.

The following is the readout from theh White House on President Obama's meeting with President Peres: Readout on President Obama’s Meeting with President Shimon Peres of Israel:

The President appreciated the opportunity to welcome President Peres, in recognition of the enduring friendship between the United States and Israel. The two Presidents exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges, including the pursuit of a comprehensive peace in the Middle East and Iran's nuclear program, that the present moment presents to achieving our countries' shared goal of peace and security for Israel and all of it neighbors. The President looks forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu later this month.