President Obama to Jewish Leader: "No Wedge Will Be Driven" Between U.S. and Israel

"Our Alliance with Israel Serves our National Security Interests" 

New York, April 21, 2010 … In a letter from President Obama to Alan Solow, Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, following meetings between Conference of Presidents leaders and high-ranking Administration officials, the President stated:

“As for our relations with Israel, let me be very clear: we have a special relationship with Israel and that will not change. Our countries are bound together by shared values, deep and interwoven connections, and mutual interests. Many of the same forces that threaten Israel also threaten the United States and our efforts to secure peace and stability in the Middle East. Our alliance with Israel serves our national security interests.”

“As we continue to strive for lasting peace agreements between Israel, the Palestinians, and Israel’s neighbors, all sides should understand that our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakeable and that no wedge will be driven between us. We will have our differences, but when we do, we will work to resolve them as close allies.”

The President added that “for over 60 years, American Presidents have believed that pursuing peace between Arabs and Israelis is in the national security interests of the United States.” He also addressed the peace negotiations, asserting that he would not impose “peace from the outside; it must be negotiated directly by the leaders who are required to make the hard choices and compromises that take on history.”

Mr. Solow welcomed the President’s letter as part of an ongoing dialogue at this very critical time. “We look forward to working with President Obama and his team on a full range of issues of immediate importance, including the Middle East peace process and Iran,” said Solow.