President Obama spoke with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi Tuesday for the third time in 24 hours as Secretary of State Clinton heads to the region, according to a White House pool report.
“It was an opportunity for them to continue the discussions they’ve been having and to speak in advance of Secretary Clinton’s arrival in the region,” Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes told reporters. “President Obama underscored once again the importance of working for a de-escalation to the conflict in Gaza. He commended President Morsi’s efforts to pursue a de-escalation. And he also underscored that President Morsi’s efforts reinforce the important role that President Morsi and Egypt play on behalf of regional security and the pursuit of broader peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.”
Clinton plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after landing in Jerusalem Tuesday. Rhodes stressed to reporters that any resolution must include a cessation of rocket fire into Israel.
