WASHINGTON (JTA) — Iran topped the agenda at a session of the U.S.-Israel strategic dialogue.
The leaders of the periodic dialogue, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon and James Steinberg, the deputy secretary of state, met Tuesday in Washington.
"While today’s Strategic Dialogue covered many subjects, it is clear that Iran is among the greatest challenges we face today in the Middle East," a joint statement said. "Iran’s continued noncompliance with its international obligations related to its nuclear program, as well as its continued support for terrorist entities, are of grave concern to our two countries and the entire international community. Continued efforts by the international community to address Iran’s actions through both pressure and engagement are critical to changing Iran’s strategic calculus and preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability."
The emphasis on Iran was notable because the Obama administration is trying to bring the Israelis and the Palestinians back to direct talks, suspended by the Palestinian Authority last month after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to extend a 10-month partial freeze on building in settlements.
The statement said the sides "reemphasized their commitment to the pursuit of lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and between Israel and all of its neighbors."
