Israeli Leaders like Obama’s Speech

Israeli leaders say President Barack Obama’s speech on Iran’s nuclear program is an unprecedented show of support for the Jewish state.

Israelis had been skeptical of the White House’s commitment to stopping Iran’s nuclear progress by any means, including military action if necessary.

But Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom, as reported to AP, told Israel Radio that U.S.-Israel coordination was now “almost perfect.”

President Shimon Peres said Sunday that Obama “is determined to prevent Iran from attaining nuclear weapons.”

Obama told the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC Sunday that America is ready to strike Iran should sanctions fail.

Israel believes a nuclear-armed Iran would threaten its existence. Iran claims its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.