Defusing tensions between the U.S. and Israeli governments, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday said that the U.S. commitment to Israel's security and future is "rock solid," and that the U.S.-backed comprehensive peace in the Middle East is the "best way" for Israel's enduring survival.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee annual policy conference in Washington, March 22, 2010. [Xinhua]

"Our commitment to Israel's security and Israel's future is rock solid," Clinton told an annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the most influential bi-partisan pro-Israel lobby in the United States.

"Guaranteeing Israel's security is more than a policy position for me. It is a personal commitment that will never waver," said the state secretary before some 7,500 pro-Israel activists.

Reaffirming the U.S.-Israel alliance, backing sanctions on Iran and supporting Israel's security are highlighted at the conference, held by the AIPAC lobby, which has worked tirelessly for decades on ensuring U.S. strong support to Israel.

As to Iran's nuclear program, which is accused by both the United States and Israel of aiming at developing nuclear weapons, Clinton said that the United States can not accept a nuclear-armed Iran and would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

According to the state secretary, the United States is working with its partners in the United Nations on new Security Council sanctions "that will show Iran's leaders that there are real consequences for their intransigence, that the only choice is to live up to their international obligations."

"We will not compromise our commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring these weapons," she added.

On the Middle East peace process, Clinton warned that Israel's long-term future as a secure and democratic Jewish state has been facing "some of the toughest challenges in her history," referring to Iran's nuclear program, as well as Israel's persisting conflicts with the Palestinians and other Arab neighbors.

She told the pro-Israel activists that a comprehensive peace in the Middle East must be rooted in real recognition of Israel's right to exist in peace and security.