Video: Barack Obama urges Israel to compromise for Middle East peace Telling an audience of university students that the United States is their country's best friend and most important ally, Obama said the US will never compromise in its own commitment to Israel's defence, particularly against threats such as the one posed by Iran and its nuclear program. But he also stressed that Israel must make peace with the Palestinians if it is to ensure its survival and long-term viability as a homeland for the Jewish people. "The Palestinian people's right to self-determination and justice must be recognised," he said.