Harper welcomes Israeli PM Netanyahu to Parliament Hill

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Stephen Harper are discussing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The Israeli leader, who arrived this morning for a three-day Canadian visit, said Iran is a top subject for his private meeting with Harper.

“One of the things I would like to discuss with you is the remarkable turbulence that is shaking the Middle East and of course Iran’s relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said as he and Harper posed briefly for pictures before sitting down to talk.

“I know, from many conversations that we’ve had, that you share my view that this is a grave threat to the peace and security of the world and I think that it’s important that the international community not allow this threat to materialize.”

There are concerns that Israeli is contemplating a pre-emptive strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities and Netanyahu did nothing to dampen that.

“Like any sovereign country, we reserve the right to defend ourselves against a country that calls and works for our destruction.”

A guard of honour stood by and cannons boomed out a salute as Harper greeted Netanyahu at the foot of the Peace Tower.

A military band played both national anthems before Harper escorted him inside.

The Israeli prime minister joked about the cold day and spoke warmly about his friendship with both Harper and Canada.

“We’re impressed by the kinship that we feel and look forward to discussing how we can strengthen our relationship even more in all the diverse fields that we’ll discuss,” he said at the photo op.

“There are some dissimilarities. We share common interests and common values but we have a few snow flakes in Jerusalem today, you have metres of them. We have a slightly smaller country, one of the smallest countries in the world, you have one of the largest and, of course, you have a better neighbourhood. More stable, more friendly.”

The two prime ministers are also expected to discuss the deteriorating situation in Syria as that nation teeters on the brink of full-blown civil war.

“One of the things I would like to discuss with you is the remarkable turbulence that is shaking the Middle East,” Netanyahu said.

Harper makes no bones about his strong support of Israel. He has faced criticism in some circles for echoing Israel’s allegation that Iran wouldn’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons and that it poses a grave threat to peace and security.

Others say his tilt toward Israel is driven by domestic political considerations and has unbalanced Canada’s traditional position on Middle East issues, but Harper is unapologetic.