U.S. President Barack Obama has made his first official visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, a trip focused on symbolism rather than concrete steps towards peace. During his visit, Obama met leaders on both sides and also went over their heads, appealing directly to young Israelis during a showcase speech to university students in Jerusalem, in which he urged them to press their government to drop hidebound positions and embrace compromise.
20 Mar 2013 . Tel Aviv, Israel. REUTERS/Nir Elias
Obama’s visit was marked by a seemingly warmer mood between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
After four years of often icy relations between the two men, the body language suddenly changed, with ill-disguised scowls replaced by firm handshakes and back-slapping.
"Israel has no better friend than the United States of America," Netanyahu said.
21 Mar 2013 . Ramallah, Palestinian Territories. REUTERS/Larry Downing
Less warmth was displayed, however, when Obama travelled to the West Bank for talks with Palestinian leaders who accuse him of letting Israel ride rough-shod over their dream of statehood.
During a joint news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, ministers were mostly stone-faced as Obama spoke at the podium beneath an image of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
19 Mar 2013 . RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Palestinians on the streets were vocal in expressing their disappointment and anger with Obama, with many turning out to protest.
Palestinians complain that Obama has not put enough pressure on Israel to halt settlement building in the West Bank and say any prospect of creating a viable, independent state is fading fast.
22 Mar 2013 . Jerusalem, Israel. Reuters/Jason Reed
During his visit to Israel, Obama paid homage at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Wearing a Jewish skullcap, the U.S. President rekindled an eternal flame next to a stone slab above ashes recovered from Nazi extermination camps after World War Two and laid a wreath at the Hall of Remembrance.
"We have a choice to acquiesce to evil or make real our solemn vow - never again," he said.