Obama speaks to Netanyahu, Morsi, hails cease-fire

USATODAY

President Obama spoke by phone Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, praising the new agreement on a cease fire in Gaza.

The White House readout on Obama's call with Morsi:

"The President thanked President Morsi for his efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and for his personal leadership in negotiating a ceasefire proposal. President Morsi expressed appreciation for President Obama's efforts in this regard.

"President Obama and President Morsi agreed on the importance of working toward a more durable solution to the situation in Gaza.

"President Obama reaffirmed the close partnership between the United States and Egypt, and welcomed President Morsi's commitment to regional security."

And the readout on Netanyahu:

"President Obama spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu today and reiterated his commitment to Israel's security.

"The President made clear that no country can be expected to tolerate rocket attacks against civilians.

"The President expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister's efforts to work with the new Egyptian government to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and a more durable solution to this problem.

"The President commended the Prime Minister for agreeing to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal -- which the President recommended the Prime Minster do -- while reiterating that Israel maintains the right to defend itself.

"The President said that the United States would use the opportunity offered by a ceasefire to intensify efforts to help Israel address its security needs, especially the issue of the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Gaza.

"The President said that he was committed to seeking additional funding for Iron Dome and other US-Israel missile defense programs."