U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell speaks to media in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 26, 2009. George Mitchell arrived in Israel for a visit on July 26.
Visiting U.S. special envoy to the Middle East on July 26 placated Israel over the two allies' disagreement on the settlement issue, and reiterated America's commitment to Israel's security.
While admitting their divergence on the subject, one of the core issues impeding the U.S.-backed Israeli-Palestinian peace process, George Mitchell assured Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak that the current differences are "discussions among friends", instead of "disputes among adversaries," reported local daily Ha'aretz.
The talks between the United States and the Jewish state are "intended to help what we share in common, a desire for comprehensive peace in the Middle East, which includes Israel and the Palestinians, Israel and Syria, Israel and Lebanon and normal relations with all countries in the region," Mitchell was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the envoy reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to Israel's security, saying that "the American commitment to Israel's security is unshakable and will not change."
For his part, Barak reportedly expressed gratitude for America's efforts for the Mideast peace, and pledged that Israel is "ready to take whatever effort to make it happen" while maintaining its critical interests.