JERUSALEM - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has promised Israel a “total” U.S. commitment to its security as Israeli and Palestinian officials prepare to begin indirect peace talks.

Biden was speaking in Jerusalem Tuesday after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.  Biden is making the highest-level visit by a U.S. official to Israel and the West Bank since the Obama administration took office more than a year ago.

The U.S. vice president welcomed an agreement by Israel and the Palestinians to begin indirect talks as a “moment of opportunity” for the peace process.  He said progress in the Middle East occurs when everyone knows there is “no space” between the United States and Israel.

Biden is due to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday in Ramallah. Palestinian and Israeli officials agreed Monday to negotiate through U.S. mediators following a 14-month break in the process. But no date has been announced for the indirect talks.

Vice President Biden also told Mr. Netanyahu that the United States is “determined” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Israel sees a nuclear-armed Iran as a threat to its existence due to statements by Iranian leaders calling for the demise of the Jewish state.

Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.

U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell held separate meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders Monday.  He urged them to refrain from statements or actions that may inflame tensions or influence the outcome of the upcoming talks.

Israel approved construction Monday of 112 new homes in a West Bank settlement. The move angered Palestinians who want the territory for a future state.

Palestinian leaders walked away from direct talks with Israel in December 2008 after Israeli forces launched an offensive against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Source:  VOA News