Obama meets with Israel's Rivlin in Oval Office

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama met with Israel's President Reuven Rivlin in the Oval Office Wednesday to emphasize the importance of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians as well as to reinforce the United States' commitment to Israel and its security.

The leaders met before the annual White House Hanukkah reception with the chat in the Oval Office. Obama strongly urged the Israeli government to keep working toward peace, despite current difficulties.

"Although obviously this is a time at which the prospects of serious peace may seem distant, it is important that we continue to try," Obama told reporters. "And I know that President Rivlin has made it one of his hallmarks to improve dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians."

President Obama saluted Rivlin "for his efforts to combat extremism of any kind and to promote tolerance and understanding between communities," the White House said in a statement. "He also heralded his commitment to equal and fair treatment for all citizens of Israel."

Rivlin and Obama also discussed challenges from the Islamic State and Syria, as well as United States' support for a two-state solution, with a peaceful and secure Palestinian state living side-by-side with a peaceful and secure Israel.

"We have no war with Islam," Rivlin said. "We have war against those who are using ideas in order to create extremism and threats toward the innocent people in the world."

After the meeting, the Rivlin and his wife Nechama joined the Obamas and other guests for the White House Hanukkah reception.