Obama meets with Jewish leaders at White House ahead of Israel trip

President Obama met Thursday at the White House with top Jewish leaders, less than two weeks before he is scheduled to head to Israel for his first official visit as president.

Obama reiterated his support for Israel in the meeting, pledging to defend the country against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"President Obama reiterated his unshakeable support for Israel and explained that his upcoming trip will be focused on discussing with his Israeli counterparts the critical issues facing the Jewish state, including Iran, the peace process, and Syria," National Jewish Democratic Council Chair Marc Stanley said in a statement. "President Obama is a true friend our community and said that he looks forward to a dialogue with the Israeli people." 

Obama spoke with the group for over an hour Thursday at the White House. Other attendees included representatives of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, B'nai B'rith, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and J Street.

Earlier this week, Vice President Biden told attendees at AIPAC's annual conference that Obama was "not bluffing" when saying military force could be deployed.

"The president of the United States cannot, and does not, bluff. President Barack Obama is not bluffing," Biden said.

In addition to Israel, Obama will visit the Palestinian territories and Jordan during his swing through the Middle East. Last week, White House press secretary Jay Carney said Obama "very much looks forward to" his travels.

"The timing is good. He believes as he begins his second term and as there's a new government coming into place in Israel, he very much looks forward to the trip both to Israel and Jordan and to Ramallah, the West Bank," Carney said.