President Obama has said he believes Israel is serious about peace in the Middle East, following a meeting at the White House with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In marked contrast totheir frosty encounter in March, Mr Obama praised Mr Netanyahu for easing the blockade on Gaza. From Washington, here is Kim Ghattas.

The two leaders were all smiles and both said they had excellent discussions. Barack Obama said the bond with Israel was unbreakable. Benjamin Netanyahu said reports about the demise of the US-Israeli relationship were flat wrong. So on atmospherics, it's a success. The spat appears over. In fact, listening to the two men it never even happened.