Jake Sullivan is the U.S.’s national security adviser. Tzachi Hanegbi, the Israeli equivalent to the president, and Ron Dermer, the minister of strategic affairs, were guests of President Joe Biden on June 1 at the White House “to discuss a broad range of global and regional issues of mutual concern,” according to a White House statement.
According to the White House, the meeting was a follow-up to one held on March 6 by the U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group. According to a press release, Israeli and American officials “continued discussions on enhanced coordination to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and ways to counter threats from Iran and its proxies.”
Sullivan also reiterated Washington’s objective of “further enhancing Israel’s security and economic integration throughout the Middle East,” according to the White House, and “stressed the need to take additional measures.”
In addition, the U.S. representative discussed concerns that both countries had “with Russia’s strengthening military ties with Iran and the significance of supporting Ukraine in its defense of its territory and populace,
including from Iranian drones.” Prior to the conference, former national security advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Jacob Nagel issued a warning: “Israel must not be confused about the priorities of what should be presented during the talks.”
While a deal with Saudi Arabia is crucial, Israeli officials must communicate to their American counterparts that “preventing a bad agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear program has not been relegated to second priority after reaching a deal with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
JOIN US ON WHAT'SAPP, TO GET INSTANT STATUS UPDATES AND BE IN THE KNOW.
CLICK HERE
