“Obviously There Are Some Differences”

Netanyahu remains cool to Obama speech, '67 border plan at WH meeting ahead of Tues. address before joint session.

Obama-Netanyahu meeting started an hour and a half behind. Pool was led into the Oval at 1:33pm.

Potus noted this is Netanyahu's 7th visit to the WH, underscoring the "extraordinary bond between our two countries."

He called the meeting long and serious. Said they discussed Egypt, Syria, Iran and of course the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

"We agreed that there’s a moment of opportunity that can be seized as a consequence of the Arab Spring but also acknowledge there are significant perils as well," he said. "It will be important for the U.S. and Israel to consult closely as we see developments unfold." (Check quotes against transcript)

Potus said he shared new details about Syrian sanctions and noted how it impacts the entire region. Bibi slightly nodded throughout Obama's statement.

He mentioned ongoing concerns about Iran. "Not just the threat it poses to Israel, but the threat it applies to the Middle East and the world if it pursues nuclear weapons.
It is unacceptable for Iran to access a nuclear weapon." He said that the two discussed Iran's hypocrisy by saying it supports democracy but had playing a part in recent revolutions. (again, check quotes)

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Potus said he reiterated his points from Thursday's Mid-East speech. The goal, he said, "has to be a secure Israeli state, a Jewish state, but continuous security with a completely functioning and effective Palestinian state."

Speaking to differences between him and Netanyahu, he said "that will happen with friends."

Lastly, POTUS addressed Hamas. He said it was "very difficult for Israel to be expected to negotiate in a serious a way with a party that continues to refuse to acknowledge it has a right to exist." He also reiterated prior point that "the Palestinians will have to answer some very serious questions."

Netanyahu followed, noting the "enduring bond of friendship between our two countries...We share your hope and your vision for the spread of democracy in the Middle East."

"This is something that we want to accomplish. We want peace. I want peace. What we want is a piece that is genuine, that will hold, that will endure."

That sort of peace, he said, will have to be based on reality, on unshakable facts.

Netanyahu noted that the '67 lines that Obama mentioned in his speech "are indefensible" and "ignore certain changes that have taken place on the ground," including repeated wars.

Netanyahu also noted difficulty negotiating with Hamas. "Israel cannot be asked to negotiate with a government that is backed by the Palestinian version of al Qaeda."

He talked about refugee issues in any agreement and said all of these considerations will have to be part of any deal.

Lastly, Netanyahu compared the U.S. and Israel, noting their history and size discrepancy. He noted the enduring dream of freedom and democracy and a Jewish state. "Even at Nadir of valley of death, we never lost our dream."

Pool ushered out after 15 minutes. The pair took no questions, despite several attempts.