U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, left, and his wife Dr. Jill Biden, right, are seen during their... 
(David Silverman/Pool/AP Photo)
Vice President Joe Biden attempted to soothe tensions with Israel on Thursday in a speech extolling the countries' close relationship, signaling the U.S. wants to move beyond an embarrassing diplomatic spat over settlements that tarnished his three-day visit.
But the warm words, coming after an Israeli move seen as a slap in the face to Biden, could exacerbate Palestinian perceptions that the U.S. is unwilling to take Israel to task.
Biden's visit, meant to help repair strained ties and boost a coming round of U.S.-mediated peace talks, was instead overshadowed by Israel's announcement on Tuesday that it plans to build 1,600 new apartments in a Jewish neighborhood in disputed east Jerusalem. The plan drew a sharp condemnation from Biden, and the Palestinians have threatened to pull out of the indirect peace talks before they even begin.
Wrapping up his visit with a speech at Tel Aviv University, Biden reiterated his condemnation of the settlement plan, urging Israelis and Palestinians to avoid acts that could "inflame" the situation.
"I, and at the request of President Obama, condemned it immediately and unequivocally," he said, noting that as a longtime supporter of Israel, he felt the strong language was necessary. "Quite frankly, folks, sometimes only a friend can deliver the hardest truth," he said.
But Biden's speech was devoted heavily to praising the close U.S. relationship with Israel. He said the U.S. has "no better friend" than Israel and said the U.S. "stands resolutely beside Israel against the scourge of terrorism."
Addressing a key Israeli security concern, Biden also said the U.S. is "determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."
He encouraged Israelis and Palestinians to get down to business in resolving their decades-old conflict.
"To end this historic conflict, both sides must be historically bold," Biden said. "If each waits stubbornly ... this will go on and we'll be waiting for an eternity."
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