First, Vice President Joe Biden.  He made it clear that President Obama is genuinely committed to Israeli-Palestinian peace.  He made clear that this is something the President views as important for its own sake and as vital to dealing with regional challenges like Iran and terrorism.  He made it clear that President Obama is going to work for peace, even if it means telling people things they may not want to hear - including that Israel has to stop settlement expansion and remove settlement outposts.   He stated:

"All of us have obligations to meet, including commitments Israel and the Palestinians made in the road map. The Palestinian Authority must combat terror and incitement against Israel. The United States and its partners have provided funding and training for a reformed Palestinian security force, which has impressed everyone, including the Israeli security officers with its recent demonstrations of professionalism and effectiveness. We are right now seeking funds from Congress to expand this program. But Israel has to work towards a two-state solution. You're not going to like my saying this, but not build more settlements, dismantle existing outposts, and allow the Palestinians freedom of movement based on their first actions -- its access to economic opportunity and increased security responsibility. This is a ‘show me' deal -- not based on faith -- show me..."

With respect to Iran, he made it clear that the President is serious about engaging Iran in the spirit of "mutual respect" - a statement that is not altogether in sync with a crowd that is lobbying now for additional sanctions against Iran.  He stated:

"The United States will approach Iran initially in the spirit of mutual respect. We want Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations, politically and economically. That's a path that the Islamic Republic can take if it so chooses. Or that government can choose a different future: one of international pressure, isolation; and one which nothing is taken off the table.  If our efforts to address this problem through engagement are not successful, we have greater international support to consider other options. And ladies and gentlemen, don't kid yourselves -- international support matters, as we've learned over the last eight years.  We must sometimes act alone, but it's always stronger when we act in unison.

"Given the situation we inherited, we know we don't have unlimited time to make this assessment. Iran also has played a dangerous role in the region supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah and undermining many of our friends and those who claim to be our friends. Indeed, these proxies are the tools in my view, our view, that Iran uses to exploit conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- use it to their advantage.  In this way the continuation of Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab -- Arab-Israeli conflicts, strengthen Iran's strategic position. They give Iran a playing field upon which to extend its influence, sponsor extremist elements, inflame public opinion...There are many reasons to pursue an end to these conflicts. It gives Israelis peace and security they deserve; to help the Palestinians fulfill their aspirations of an independent and better life; to ease tension in the regions -- in this region. Today, one of the most pressing reasons may be to deprive Iran of the ability to extend its destabilizing influence..."

Second, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry.  He made clear that President Obama's strategy to try direct diplomacy with Iran has to be given a chance to work.  He made positive mention of the Israel-Syria peace track and the Arab Peace Initiative.  He talked about he need to strengthen pro-peace forces in Palestinian society, the need to improve daily life and freedom of movement in the West Bank, and the need to deliver humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance to Gaza.  And he spoke very candidly about what Israel must do:

"Israel, too, must take hard steps forward on the path to peace. And nothing will do more to show Israel's commitment to making peace than freezing new settlement activity. We will defend Israel's security unflinchingly- we always have, and we always will. But the fact is, settlements make it more difficult for Israel to protect its citizens. New settlements, especially in sensitive areas like E-1, don't just fragment a future Palestinian state - they also fragment what the Israeli Defense Forces must defend. They undercut President Abbas and strengthen Hamas by convincing everyday Palestinians that there is no reward for moderation. And they empower the enemies of peace throughout the region."

He also stated:  "I know that lasting peace with the Palestinians will not come easily. But I also know that if we want the security for Israel that only peace can bring, then we must try now-because the window of opportunity for a two state solution is fast closing. And if the children I saw in Sderot, and those I saw in Gaza, can hope for themselves, if they can persevere for a better future, then we must all help them get there."