President Barack Obama has pledged America's continued commitment to the security of Israel, while reinforcing the need to prevent a nuclear armed Iran.
During a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Obama said: "America's support for Israel security is unprecedented and the alliance between the two nations has never been stronger."
The president is making the first overseas visit of his second term to the Middle East, including the three-day tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories. He is then due to continue on to neighbouring Jordan.
Mr Obama said he would continue to work with the US Congress on securing funding for Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defence system, which he toured earlier in his visit.
According to Israeli commentators, Obama and Netanyahu 'dislike each other' On the issue of Iran, Mr Netanyahu commended the US president for his "great success in mobilising the international community" and said he is "absolutely convinced" Mr Obama is committed to keeping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
However, the Israeli prime minister said his country "cannot cede the right to defend itself to others", hinting at a possible go-it-alone policy if necessary to halt Iran's nuclear programme.
Mr Obama said the US will continue to consult with Israel and other nations on a diplomatic solution on the issue, but did not rule out the possibility of military action, insisting that "all options are on the table".
The two leaders also echoed a desire to see a peaceful solution in Syria, and a shared determination to ensure that the deadly arsenal of weapons in the war-torn country do not fall into the wrong hands.
But perhaps the most pressing question connected to Mr Obama's Middle East trip is whether peace talks can emerge between Israel and the Palestinians.
Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank protested against Obama's visit The president will travel to the occupied West Bank on Thursday to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and US officials have said Mr Obama will try to coax the Palestinians and Israelis back to peace talks.
However, the White House has deliberately minimised hopes of any major breakthroughs, a reversal from Mr Obama's first four years in office when aides said he would visit the Jewish state only if he had something concrete to accomplish.
Mr Netanyahu said he "hoped the president's visit will help Israel turn the page in its relations with the Palestinians" and lead to negotiations "that will end our conflict once and for all".
Mr Obama insisted that a central element for a lasting peace must be a strong and lasting Israel state that exists alongside its Palestinian neighbour.
The president said he would have more to say on the issue after he flies to the West Bank city of Ramallah to meet Mr Abbas.
In Ramallah on Tuesday, Palestinian police scuffled with scores of demonstrators protesting against Mr Obama's visit.
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