Israel seeks Egypt's support against 'extremists'

SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Egypt to try to build a coalition with Arab nations against Iran, says moderate forces need to confront extremism in the Middle East.

The Israeli leader was speaking at a joint news conference with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak after they met in this Red Sea resort during Netanyahu's first visit since becoming prime minister. Both Israel and U.S. Arab allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia are nervous over the Obama administration's overtures to start a dialogue with Iran after decades of shunning Tehran.

"Lately, we are regrettably witnessing extremist forces that are threatening the stability of the Middle East," Netanyahu said.