Obama, Netanyahu meet over global security issues

World Today

For the first time in seven months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington. They will meet on Wednesday amid regional security issues that have become global concerns.

While Obama and Netanyahu have sometimes been at odds over peace talks with the Palestinians, a main topic of this session will be Obama’s plan to roll back the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

CCTV America’s Roee Ruttenberg has more from Tel Aviv.

During the recent war in Gaza, tension between the White House and Netanyahu’s Office intensified due to sharp American criticism of Israeli attacks that caused civilian casualties. At one point, the White House even froze a shipment of Hellfire missiles intended for the air force to signal its displeasure with Israel over these Palestinian casualties.

Nevertheless, Wednesday’s meeting is taking place at a time when neither Netanyahu nor Obama has any interest in a public confrontation. On the American side, this is due to the Congressional elections in November. On Israel’s side, it stems from a desire to maintain coordination with Washington over the Palestinian Authority’s plan for new unilateral steps at the United Nations, the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the six powers, and the battle against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Israeli officials have been closely watching the American administration openly supporting U.S.-led air strikes on Islamic State in Syria. But they are worried-notably, that Israel’s top issue, Iran, may be resolved poorly, as Washington seeks greater cooperation in dealing with IS.

During his speech this week at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu tried to persuade America and the rest of the world that Iran, and not IS, remains “the world’s most dangerous’ player and that it still wants to obtain “the world’s most dangerous weapons.”