United States President Barack Obama is finally in Israel, according to CNN.com.
This marks his first trip to the country since becoming the commander-and-chief. Upon arriving on Tuesday, Obama assured Israelis the "United States is proud to stand with you as your strongest ally and your greatest friend."
The President will be travelling all over the Middle East, making stops in areas such as the West Bank and Jordan. He will visit Tel Aviv on Wednesday to see the Iron Dome missile defense launcher. The battery was created in a joint effort between Israel and the United States. Israel deployed it in the country's fight against Hamas back in November.
According to CNN.com, Michael Oren, Israeli ambassador to the United States, said the missile defense launcher proved effective. It was able to intercept a rocket headed for Tel Aviv.
After Tel Aviv, Obama will meet President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, where they are "expected" to discuss Iran.
Iran continues to be an issue that affects both nations. President Peres has openly stated that he is, at times, in disagreement with the U.S. when it comes to how Iran has progressed with nuclear weapons.
Obama recently shared his assessment of Iran's nuclear progress with an Israeli TV Station, saying he believes Iran is about a year off from reaching the final stages of successful nuclear weapons program.
According to the New York Times, this translates to Obama holding out hope for more diplomacy; which doesn't exactly line up with what Netanyahu would like to see.
Despite these minor discrepancies in what type of action should be taken, Peres is confident the U.S. and Israel, for the most part, are on the same page.
"There may be some differences in timing, but basically we support the policy of the president of the United States," said Peres, according to CNN
He's been encouraged by a recent statement from the White House that "all options", including force, are being considered.
