Biden tries to calm tensions with Israel, saying US has ‘no better friend’ than Jewish state

Biden: US has ‘no better friend’ than Israel

TEL AVIV, Israel — Vice President Joe Biden is wrapping up a trip to Israel with warm words of praise for the Jewish state, saying the U.S. has “no better friend.”

But Biden is also urging Israel to make a serious attempt to reach peace with the Palestinians. He told an audience Thursday at Tel Aviv University that an agreement is “profoundly” in Israel’s interests.

Biden’s trip was meant to repair strained ties with Israel.

But it was marred by an Israeli announcement earlier this week that it plans to build 1,600 new homes in disputed east Jerusalem. Biden condemned the plan and warned it was undermining trust in the peace process.

Biden said “only a friend can deliver the hardest truth.”

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden has opened a high-profile speech in Israel with warm words of praise for the Jewish state.

Biden appears to be trying to calm a diplomatic row that erupted during his visit over Israeli settlement plans for disputed east Jerusalem.

The vice president told the audience at Tel Aviv University on Thursday the U.S. has “no better friend” than Israel. He also spoke about his long connection to Israel.

Earlier this week, Biden condemned Israel’s plan to build 1,600 new homes in disputed east Jerusalem, saying it undermined trust in peace efforts.

Israel has apologized for embarrassing Biden, but not backed down from the construction plan.

Biden is in Israel to help restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.