Defense Minister Benny Gantz went against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday after Jordan piled up obstacles on the prime minister’s planned trip to the United Arab Emirates.
“Jordan is Israel’s strategic partner.” The defense and diplomatic ties we share are a cornerstone of our national security approach. I want to make it clear that Israel is committed to the agreements we share with Jordan and has the utmost respect for King Abdullah and the Jordanian government.
“Unfortunately, Netanyahu’s behavior in recent years has severely damaged our relations with Jordan, causing Israel to lose a large, diplomatic and economic defense fund,” Gantz said. “I personally work together to the Israeli defense center to continue to strengthen our relations with Jordan, as well as Egypt – countries with which we have held peace treaties for years – while also deepening ties with other countries in the department. “