国际英语新闻：Obama, Netanyahu meet over mending relations

President Obama wants the Netanyahu-led government to completely freeze Jewish settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem for resuming direct talks with the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), while Netanyahu urges the president to top curbing Iran's nuclear program at the priority of U.S. policy toward the Middle East.

The disputes obviously have deepened mistrust between the two leaders, and have overshadowed Netanyahu's last three visits to Washington. However, following a set of tough measures against Iran were taken by Washington, experts say that it's Netanyahu's turn to show his goodwill to President Obama.

At the joint press conference with Netanyahu, Obama said he hopes the direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians could be held in September, saying that the Netanyahu-led government has prepared to take risk for peace.

Echoing Obama, the Israeli prime minister, who was warmly greeted by the White House this time, said that Israel believes peace is the best option for itself and the Palestinians and would change the entire Middle East.

"I think it's high time to begin direct talks. I think with the help of President Obama, (Palestinian) President (Mahmoud) Abbas and myself should engage in direct talks to reach a political settlement of peace, coupled with security and prosperity," said Netanyahu.