U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Monday that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is best for Israel’s future, the U.S. State Department said.
Blinken “stressed the Biden administration ‘s belief that a two – state solution is the best way to ensure Israel’ s future as a Jewish and democratic state, living in peace alongside a capable and democratic Palestinian state,” said the State Department.
The two diplomats considered the strong relations between the countries and agreed to work together to meet the challenges ahead, including anti-Israel campaigns in the international arena.
“Speak well to @Gabi_Ashkenazi today to discuss our engagement, regional challenges, and Israeli efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” Blinken wrote on Twitter after the call. “The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Israel’s security.”
Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called senior cabinet officials to discuss Israel’s position as the new U.S. administration pushes to revive the 2015 agreement with Iran to curb its abandoned nuclear activity by Donald Trump in 2018.
The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Ashkenazi, Mossad Chief Officer Yossi Cohen, National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, Israeli ambassador to Gilad Erdan USA and senior security officials.
Netanyahu made gloomy prophecies, according to sources familiar with the conversation, considering that the Biden administration was entering into an agreement with Iran and that it would be difficult for Israel to influence American policy.
Both Gantz and Ashkenazi disagreed with the prime minister and expressed hope that Jerusalem’s position would be heard in Washington, and called for communication and cooperation with the US.
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US Vice President Joe Biden then met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem in 2016
(Photo: GPO)
The meeting concluded with a decision to promote the establishment of an action group made up of intelligence and diplomatic officials to work with their U.S. counterparts to improve the situation in Israel, sources said.
Ministers agreed to share with the Biden administration information received by Israel about any Iranian breaches of the 2015 treaty, hoping to enter the US to strengthen its position in talks with Tehran at the time. future.
National Security Adviser Ben-Shabbat has been asked to coordinate with Washington despite concerns expressed by security officials that he does not have the necessary background and is struggling with his English.