Kerry Tries to Bridge U.S., Israel Gaps in Meetings

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry sought to ease differences with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem today after ties were strained by disagreements on Iran and the Palestinians.

Kerry said the Obama administration would tighten enforcement of Iran sanctions and has a “deep, deep commitment” to Israel’s security as it seeks a final nuclear accord with the Iranians and explores security arrangements that might facilitate an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.

Netanyahu toned down his criticism of the preliminary agreement the U.S. and world powers reached with Iran last month, saying any final pact must dismantle Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. The two men spoke after meeting at Netanyahu’s office. Kerry later said after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah that he may return for further talks in a week or two.

“The bond between the United States and Israel is unbreakable,” Kerry said. “And while occasionally we might have a difference of a tactical measure, we do not have a difference about the fundamental strategy that we both seek with respect to the security of Israel and the long-term peace of this region.”

Netanyahu has called the Iran deal a ‘historic mistake,’’ voicing concern that international pressure on Iran would ease after negotiators traded sanctions relief for some limitations on Iran’s suspected nuclear program. He has also said Israel’s security would be the paramount concern in any peace deal with the Palestinians.

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http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-12-05/u-dot-s-dot-to-step-up-iran-sanction-enforcement-kerry-tells-netanyahu