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Netanyahu to brief US leaders on peace plan Israel's Netanyahu seeks US Congress support
(about 6 hours later)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to outline his vision for Middle East peace when he visits Capitol Hill in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he sees US Congress as "great friends of Israel" as he seeks support from US leaders.
He is also due to make his case for action against Iran when he meets House and Senate leaders on Tuesday. Mr Netanyahu met House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader John Boehner on a visit to Capitol Hill.
Mr Netanyahu, at the end of a three-day visit, is also scheduled to hold talks with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates. They said they shared Israel's concern over Iran's nuclear plans and pledged help finding peace in the Middle East.
On Monday, US President Barack Obama urged the Israeli prime minister to accept a Palestinian state. On Monday, President Barack Obama the visiting prime minister to accept a Palestinian state.
Mr Obama restated his support for a two-state plan and said the US would be "engaged in the process".Mr Obama restated his support for a two-state plan and said the US would be "engaged in the process".
He also said Israel had an obligation under the 2003 "roadmap" to stop Jewish settlement in the West Bank. He also said Israel had an obligation under the 2003 "roadmap to peace" to stop Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
Mr Netanyahu said he was ready to start peace talks "immediately" but refrained from endorsing a Palestinian state. Talks 'encouraging'
Correspondents say Mr Netanyahu is likely to face tough questions from House and Senate leaders on his refusal to endorse the creation of an independent Palestinian state. In Tuesday's meetings on Capitol Hill, the Israeli prime minister met members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and then headed for talks with House and Senate leaders and a group of Jewish legislators.
'Serious dialogue' Committee chairman Senator John Kerry said he was "encouraged by a number of things" Mr Netanyahu said, but did not go into detail.
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak was optimistic about Monday's talks with President Obama. Senator Kerry said he had also stressed to Mr Netanyahu "the importance of Israel moving forward, especially in respect to the settlements issue".
Mr Netanyahu told Democrat Ms Pelosi and Republican Mr Boehner that he saw "an American consensus" regarding "the special relationship we have between Israel and the United States".
It is important for all of us to work together to be sure that Iran does not develop a weapon of mass destruction Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
"We face opportunities and [a] challenge. The challenge is the potential arming of Iran with nuclear weapons capabilities. That is a great danger to all of us," he warned.
Mr Netanyahu said he would pursue "the advancement of peace between us and the Palestinians" as well as normal relations with the wider Arab world.
"We have to do this in tandem," he said. "I was very encouraged to learn that this is the American policy. We're going to try to do it together, because if we do it together we'll get a lot further, a lot faster."
Ms Pelosi said the question of Iran was "one that is of concern to us in Congress".
"It is an issue for the world," she said. "It is important for all of us to work together to be sure that Iran does not develop a weapon of mass destruction."
Mr Netanyahu is also due to hold talks with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon before leaving for Israel.
Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said he was optimistic after Monday's talks between Mr Netanyahu and President Obama.
"I spoke with Netanyahu last night. I think that this is the beginning of a serious dialogue with the Americans," he said."I spoke with Netanyahu last night. I think that this is the beginning of a serious dialogue with the Americans," he said.
"It will take time and it will include all the issues. I was very happy to hear that President Obama intends to push for a comprehensive regional agreement. I think that this is the right approach."
Standing alongside Mr Netanyahu, President Obama said he had told the new Israeli leader that Israel must move quickly to resume peace talks with the Palestinians.
"I suggested to the prime minister that he has a historic opportunity to get a serious movement on this issue during his tenure," he said.
"That means that all the parties involved have to take seriously obligations that they have previously agreed to."
Mr Netanyahu said Israel was ready to live "side by side" with Palestinians and he could resume talks immediately, but any agreement depended on Palestinian acceptance of Israel's right to exist "as a Jewish state", he added.
However, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat dismissed Mr Netanyahu's remarks.