国际英语新闻：U.S. reaffirms commitment to Israel's security

WASHINGTON, April 21 (Xinhua) -- There is "no space" between the United States and Israel on the Jewish state's security, National Security Adviser James Jones said on Wednesday, adding that the U.S. commitment to Israel will endure.

"Everyone must know that there is no space, no space, between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel's security. Our commitment to Israel's security is unshakable. It is as strong as ever," Jones told a gathering at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

According to Jones, President Barack Obama's top security adviser, the administration believes that the two-state solution, namely a secure Jewish state living side by side in peace and security with a viable and independent Palestinian state, is in the interests of the United States, Israel, the Palestinians, the Arab countries and the international community.

Those who deny Israel's legitimacy must know that the State of Israel "will not go away," said Jones.

"This President and this Administration understands very well the environment, regionally and internationally, in which Israel and the United States must operate. We understand very well that for peace and stability in the Middle East, Israel must be secure, " said Jones.

"The United States will never waver in defense of Israeli's security," he stressed.

Jones' remarks came amid tensions between the two long-time allies.

Washington has been very angry at the Netanyahu-led government' s uncompromising stance on peace process with the Palestinians, considering Israel's settlement activities in East Jerusalem as an unacceptable pullback to the U.S. efforts for peace guided by the two-state solution.

The Obama administration has been exerting efforts to pressure on the Israeli government and the Palestinian National Authority ( PNA) to resume the talks, so that the two sides could reach a permanent peace agreement that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within two years.

The talks were stalled in December 2008 when Israel launched a massive military campaign against the Islamic Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip.

PNA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas insists that the talks shall not resume until the Israeli government totally freezes the Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank, while the Israeli side vows to ensure the "natural growth" of the Jewish settlements.

At least 450,000 Israelis live in more than 100 settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

After Israel's announcement to build 1,600 homes in East Jerusalem early in March, the PNA decided to suspend the indirect talks with Israel, which was brokered by U.S. special envoy George Mitchell following tough shuttle mediation between Israel and the Palestinians.