White House Spokeswoman Jen Saki referred during a press conference last night (Friday) to the incoming President Joe Biden’s administration policy regarding Israel, and hence to the delayed conversation with the Prime Minister.
The spokeswoman avoided defining Israel as an important ally of the United States when asked: “Can you explain what the administration is trying to achieve in the Middle East? For example, does he still consider Israelis and Saudis important allies? “, She replied:” There are ongoing processes and intra-governmental processes that are taking place. We approved an intergovernmental meeting just last week to discuss a range of issues related to the Middle East. I think we need to let these policy processes take shape before we represent what our national security approaches will be on a variety of issues. “
The fact that President Joe Biden has not yet spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came up at the briefing on several different questions and Saki was asked why they had not yet spoken, and when such a conversation would take place. “I do not have an exact date or timeline to give,” she replied. “I can guarantee he will talk to the prime minister soon, and he expects to do so.”
Asked if Biden is not talking to Netanyahu on purpose, the spokeswoman replied in the negative: “He is not deliberately ignoring Netanyahu. They have known each other for many years and will talk soon, Biden expects to talk to him. We have a long and important relationship with Israel. We are here only three and a half weeks.”
(Inauguration of Biden as 46th President of the United States)