President Obama(Photo: Pete Souza, AP)
WASHINGTON -- President Obama spoke by phone Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, praising the
new agreement on a cease fire in Gaza.
The White House readout on Obama's call with Morsi:
"The
President thanked President Morsi for his efforts to achieve a
sustainable ceasefire and for his personal leadership in negotiating a
ceasefire proposal. President Morsi expressed appreciation for President
Obama's efforts in this regard.
"President Obama and President
Morsi agreed on the importance of working toward a more durable solution
to the situation in Gaza.
"President Obama reaffirmed the close
partnership between the United States and Egypt, and welcomed President
Morsi's commitment to regional security."
And the readout on Netanyahu:
"President Obama spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu today and reiterated his commitment to Israel's security.
"The President made clear that no country can be expected to tolerate rocket attacks against civilians.
"The
President expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister's efforts
to work with the new Egyptian government to achieve a sustainable
ceasefire and a more durable solution to this problem.
"The
President commended the Prime Minister for agreeing to the Egyptian
ceasefire proposal -- which the President recommended the Prime Minster
do -- while reiterating that Israel maintains the right to defend
itself.
"The President said that the United States would use the
opportunity offered by a ceasefire to intensify efforts to help Israel
address its security needs, especially the issue of the smuggling of
weapons and explosives into Gaza.
"The President said that he was
committed to seeking additional funding for Iron Dome and other
US-Israel missile defense programs."
USA Today