Robert Gates meets with Ehud Barak (8 images)

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates stands with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) after their meeting in Jerusalem on July 27, 2009. Israel affirmed during a visit by the U.S. defense secretary on Monday that it was still considering military force for thwarting Iran's nuclear plans, and encouraged other countries to keep their options open. (UPI Photo/Darren Whiteside/Pool)

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates (L) and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak hold a joint press conference at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem on July 27, 2009. Gates arrived in Israel on a US push to jump start Middle East peace talks with Washington's peace envoy George Mitchell also on whistlestop regional tour. (UPI Photo/Jack Guez/Pool)

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates stands with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) after their meeting in Jerusalem on July 27, 2009. Israel affirmed during a visit by the U.S. defense secretary on Monday that it was still considering military force for thwarting Iran's nuclear plans, and encouraged other countries to keep their options open. (UPI Photo/Darren Whiteside/Pool)

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates (L) and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak hold a joint press conference at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem on July 27, 2009. Gates arrived in Israel on a US push to jump start Middle East peace talks with Washington's peace envoy George Mitchell also on whistlestop regional tour. (UPI Photo/Jack Guez/Pool)