Clinton, Netanyahu Meet in Jerusalem | Voice of America - English
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets Wednesday with Palestinian and Egyptian leaders as she works to bring calm to the violence between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. 		Clinton held two hours of talks late Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israel officials. 		The prime minister said before the meeting that he prefers diplomacy to halt cross-border airstrikes between Israel and the Hamas militants. But he again pledged that Israel will take every action to protect its citizens.
Israeli and Hamas have traded rocket fire since an Israeli missile killed Hamas' military chief in Gaza City last week. Israel says the attack was a direct response to months of almost daily rocket fire into southern Israel from Gaza. The violence has killed more than 100 Palestinians and five Israelis. Most of the Palestinian deaths have been civilians. Israel has also threatened a ground invasion into Gaza. The Israeli army dropped Arabic-language leaflets over numerous Gaza neighborhoods Tuesday, warning civilians to evacuate their residences and move toward the center of Gaza City. "The goal must be a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security and legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike. In the days ahead, the United States will work with our partners here in Israel and across the region toward an outcome that bolsters security for the people of Israel, improves conditions for the people of Gaza and moves toward a comprehensive peace for all people of the region," said Clinton. "Now if there is a possibility of achieving a long term solution to this problem, through diplomatic means, we prefer that. But if not, I'm sure you understand that Israel will have to take whatever action is necessary to defend its people," said Netanyahu.