AP
Mar. 10: Vice President Joe Biden poses in front of a picture of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
TEL AVIV, Israel -- Vice President Joe Biden has opened a high-profile speech in Israel with warm words of praise for the Jewish state.
Biden appears to be trying to calm a diplomatic row that erupted during his visit over Israeli settlement plans for disputed east Jerusalem.
The vice president told the audience at Tel Aviv University on Thursday the U.S. has "no better friend" than Israel. He also spoke about his long connection to Israel.
Earlier this week, Biden condemned Israel's plan to build 1,600 new homes in disputed east Jerusalem, saying it undermined trust in peace efforts.
Israel has apologized for embarrassing Biden, but not backed down from the construction plan.
Biden is in Israel to help restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
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