WASHINGTON - Israel’s new prime minister is in Washington for talks with U.S. officials on Israeli-Arab peace prospects and Iran’s nuclear program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington early Sunday. He has said future Israeli-Palestinian peace talks should focus on economic and security matters rather than Palestinian statehood, a concept he has not endorsed.

U.S. President Barack Obama has said a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is central to his goal of a comprehensive Middle East peace.

Mr. Netanyahu’s top priority is stopping what he sees as Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and support of anti-Israel militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

In an interview with U.S. magazine Newsweek published on its Web site Sunday, President Obama says he is reaching out to Iran to give it a chance to align itself with international norms. But, he also says he does not rule out any options if the process fails.

Mr. Obama says he understands “very clearly” why Israel considers Iran to be a threat to its existence, given statements made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The Iranian leader has frequently predicted Israel’s demise.

Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.  Israel also is widely thought to be the only nuclear-armed state in the region.

U.S. officials have said Israel should make progress in peace with the Palestinians to encourage moderate Arab states to join a united front against a nuclear-armed Iran.

Mr. Obama and Mr. Netanyahu are due to have talks at the White House Monday in what will be their first meeting since both took office earlier this year.  Mr. Netanyahu also plans to meet lawmakers Tuesday in Congress, where support for Israel is traditionally strong.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Saturday he hopes Mr. Netanyahu, in his words, “heeds the call”  of the U.S. president and other world leaders who support a two-state solution.

Source:  VOA News