Launching Mideast visit, Biden sees “moment of opportunity” for Israelis and Palestinians

Biden sees “moment of opportunity” in Mideast

JERUSALEM — U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden says there is a “moment of opportunity” for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Biden is making the highest-level visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories by an Obama administration official.

Ahead of a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres on Tuesday, Biden also said there is “absolutely no space between Israel and the United States” where Israel’s security is concerned.

Hours after Biden’s arrival Monday, the U.S. announced that Israel and the Palestinian Authority would begin indirect peace negotiations, breaking a 14-month deadlock.

Biden is slated to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before continuing to Jordan on Thursday.