JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli President Shimon Peres at a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus in Jerusalem praised the U.S. peace-brokering efforts.
Peres also expressed his appreciation for Israel’s special relationship with the United States at Tuesday’s diplomatic work meeting.
“We’re fortunate to have our special relations with America, we’re alone, isolated and often attacked, and you support us not because of oil but because of values,” Peres said. “When it comes to defending our land, there was no request which President Obama did not accept.”
U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) is leading the Congressional Black Caucus delegation visiting Israel.
Peres answered questions from the delegation on the current U.S.-brokered Israeli-Palestinian peace process led by Secretary of State John Kerry and the nuclear threat from Iran.
“President Obama and Secretary Kerry are trying to bring peace to this region. Secretary Kerry’s contribution has been incredible,” he said. “This is a small country with a long history and while it is not simple, it can be done.”
Kerry has come under fire recently from some Israeli government officials for statements he made.
On Iran, Peres said, “Iran is not only building a nuclear weapon but is also funding and spreading terrorism across the world.”
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