In Israel, the visiting US President Barack Obama has held a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On his first overseas trip since starting his second term in office, Obama said the US and Israel are good friends, and remain "unshakable allies". And he restated his commitment to the security of the US’s main Middle East ally.

Barack Obama, US President, said, "The security... save so many Israeli lives."

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) is welcomed by Israeli President Shimon Peres (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) during a welcoming ceremony at the Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 20, 2013.

The two leaders also exchanged assurances on the issues of Iran and Syria. Netanyahu pointed out that diplomacy and sanctions have yet to stop Iranian efforts to develop nuclear weapons. He said a peaceful solution requires a clear and credible threat of military action.

Obama offered reassurance that the US will do whatever is necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms.

On the conflict in Syria, Obama says he’s ordered an investigation into whether chemical weapons were used in Syria, and by whom, in an alleged attack on a village near Aleppo on Tuesday. He warned that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would be held accountable if found responsible.

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