Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Netanyahu: 'High Time' For Direct Talks with Palestinians VOA News 05 July 2010 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., 06 Jul 2010 Photo: AP Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., 06 Jul 2010 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it is "high time" for direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians to begin. He says there is a need to engage in direct dialogue in order to reach a "political settlement of peace." Mr. Netanyahu commented Tuesday following a meeting in Washington with U.S. President Barack Obama, who said the Israeli leader reaffirmed his willingness to engage in "serious negotiations" with the Palestinians. Mr. Obama told reporters that he and Mr. Netanyahu also discussed Iran's nuclear program and Israel's "progress" in allowing more aid into Hamas-ruled Gaza. Both leaders downplayed any tensions in U.S.-Israeli relations. The Israeli leader's last visit to Washington in March came just after Israel announced plans to build 1,600 new Jewish housing units in mainly Arab East Jerusalem.  U.S. officials criticized Israel for the announcement, which came while U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was in Israel. However, Mr. Netanyahu said Tuesday that reports about a "demise" in US-Israeli relations were not just "premature" but "flat wrong." He said the two countries shared an "enduring bond" of values and interests. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has refused direct peace talks until Israel stops Jewish settlement construction on land the Palestinians claim for a state. .