White House officials said Obama was not bringing a new peace initiative and lacked optimism that enough solid ground existed to try to revive direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians over the declared goal of both sides for separate , neighboring states . NEW : President al-Assad , the West Bank 's prime minister have a `` common assessment '' on Iran . NEW : The three leaders will open talks on extending U.S. military aid to Israel beyond this week . Palestinians protest Obama 's visit , as well as U.S. and Israeli policies . Obama will also visit U.S. and Jordan during his Middle East trip .
NEW : President al-Assad , the West Bank 's prime minister have a `` common assessment '' on Iran . NEW : The three leaders will open talks on extending U.S. military aid to Israel beyond this week . Palestinians protest Obama 's visit , as well as U.S. and Israeli policies . Obama will also visit U.S. and Jordan during his Middle East trip .