Clinton with Netanyahu
Clinton with NetanyahuIsrael News Photo: (Flash 90)

Visiting United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Tuesday that the United States would be “vigorously engaged” in the creation of a Palestinian Authority state. “There is no time to waste,” she added.

Clinton met with Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday. Both Netanyahu and Livni expressed satisfaction with the meetings, and said Clinton showed an understanding of Israel and America's “common goals.”

Clinton met with President Shimon Peres as well. The meetings were her first with Israeli officials since she was sworn in as Secretary of State.

Netanyahu did not reveal the content of his discussion with Clinton other than to say that the two had spoken about “the Iranian issue and the Palestinian issue” and had agreed to meet again once a new government has been formed. Netanyahu described the talks as “deep, important and good.”

Livni praised Clinton, saying the latter had “shown a deep understanding of the needs of Israel.” Israel's ties with America “transcend parties and governments,” she added.

Livni, who was involved in negotiations with the PA under Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, supports the creation of a PA state in Judea, Samaria, Gaza and Jerusalem. Netanyahu has called for “Palestinian self-rule,” but has not given a full explanation of his diplomatic plan regarding the PA's demands.

"We need to think creatively in order to move forward and create a different reality, both in terms of security and politically,” Netanyahu said Tuesday.

Defense Minister Barak pressed Clinton to tighten economic sanctions against Iran in the fields of financing, import and development.

In order for sanctions to be effective, Russia, India and China must also be brought into the fold, Barak said. “Only thus will the world be able to find out in short order if dialogue and sanctions have a real chance,” Barak opined.

He also said that while the Jewish state supports the sanctions against Iran, “Israel is not taking any option off the table and recommends that other countries behave similarly.”

The meeting between Clinton and Barak took place in a Jerusalem hotel and was attended by officials and advisors from both sides. However, at the end of the session Barak and Clinton also held a one-on-one talk with no one else present.



Clinton arrived in Israel after visiting Egypt, where she attended a donor conference that raised funds for the Palestinian Authority and Gaza. Clinton confirmed that the U.S. plans to give $900 million to the cause.