Obama's middle east agenda

(CNN) - President Obama is in the midst of the first foreign trip of his second term. He's taking a four-day tour of the Middle East, first stop is Israel.

The threat of a nuclear Iran, possible chemical weapons in Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process are all on the agenda as President Obama makes his first visit to Israel as president.

"Across this region the winds of change bring both promise and peril so I see this visit as an opportunity to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between our nations."

The President has had a shaky relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but he said the U.S. is Israel’s strongest ally.

"This is our tenth meeting, we've spend more time together, working together than I have with any leader."

President Obama planted a tree in Israeli President Shimon Peres' garden, signifying the U.S. - Israeli relationship's strong roots.

Netanyahu and Peres were both reassured the U.S. is still staunchly opposed to allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

"In order to stop Iran's program peacefully diplomacy must be augmented by clear threat of military action."

Israel believes chemical weapons have been used in the conflict in nearby Syria, which could pose a threat to Israel in the hands of Hezbollah. It's calling on the international community to act.

"Assad is slaughtering his own people for years now, and the international community is just in a way watching. Condemning is fine, but it's not enough."

President Obama’s tour will also take him to Jordan, and the West Bank where he'll meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The White House has insisted the president isn't bringing a new peace initiative, but will instead assess how prepared the leaders of Israel and Palestine are to resume negotiations.