President Barack Obama’s trip to Israel went a long way toward allaying the resentments accumulated over the four years in which he failed to visit America’s most important Middle East ally. Four simple words broke the ice: “We have your back.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with equally important words of his own: On the issue of intelligence about Iran’s effort to acquire nuclear weapons capability, the prime minister said, “We share information and we have a common assessment.” He repeated that for emphasis: “We have a common assessment.”

What Obama meant is that the U.S. commitment to guarantee the security of Israel is as strong as ever. Just as significant was the prime minister’s assurance, directed primarily at Israeli hawks, that there is no daylight between U.S. and Israeli leaders on the pressing question of Iran’s drive to acquire nuclear weapons capability.

The statements underlined a new attitude by two men whose frosty relationship over the years has weakened the crucial U.S.- Israeli relationship.

The sudden thaw is not so much a reassessment of policy as it is a recognition of political reality — both leaders are starting a new term in office and need each other.

The change bodes well for an improved relationship that reaffirms the strong bonds between countries that share common values, a commitment to democracy and a shared interest in a peaceful Middle East.

In that sense, Obama’s visit was a significant achievement, despite low expectations and even though there was no breakthrough on peace talks with the Palestinians and no significant new policy initiative.

In moving U.S. policy closer to the Israeli view, Obama was no doubt mindful that Palestinians have used the settlement issue as a convenient excuse to avoid engagement with the Israelis. An earlier moratorium on settlements by Prime Minister Netanyahu likewise failed to break the stalemate, deepening Israeli convictions that Palestinians are not interested in making compromises for peace.

Obama has a personal stake in the issue, as well. He does not want to be the president under whose watch a two-state solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict becomes impossible. Each passing day without progress on peace brings that unwanted prospect dangerously closer.

Without a strong U.S.-Israeli bond, however, no movement is possible. In reaffirming that bond, Obama hoped to give Israel the confidence to take risks for peace. The bond is not merely a political alliance of convenience. It’s a strong and lasting partnership.

— The Miami Herald