In his remarks at the start of the one hour meeting, President Biden reiterated his concern about any fundamental changes to Israel’s democratic system, absent the broadest possible consensus. He also reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the two countries ‘’which is based on the bedrock of shared democratic values,’’ and the United States’ iron-clad commitment to Israel’s security.
“With your leadership, we can make history,” said the Israeli prime minister to the American president.
President Biden invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to Washington D.C. before the end of the year to continue direct collaboration on a broad range of issues.
By JNS and EJP
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the Jewish state’s commitment to democracy on Wednesday at the U.N. General Assembly during his first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden since the Israeli leader was re-elected last November.
“As I said, we live in, and you said, we live in uncertain times, rapidly changing times.” Netanyahu said. “So I want to reassert here, before you, Mr. President, that one thing is certain and one thing will never change, and that is Israel’s commitment to democracy.”
Netanyahu stated that “we will continue to uphold the values that both our proud democracies cherish.”
In his remarks at the start of the one hour meeting, President Biden reiterated his concern about any fundamental changes to Israel’s democratic system, absent the broadest possible consensus. He also reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the two countries ‘’which is based on the bedrock of shared democratic values,’’ and the United States’ iron-clad commitment to Israel’s security.
Netanyahu said: ”I think that working together will realize the promise, roll back the dangers and bring a better future for our region and the world,” he said. “We can make history, Mr. President. With your leadership, we can make history.”
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“A credible military threat” could deter a state determined to wipe Israel off the map.
With regard to ongoing tension and violence in the West Bank, President Biden ”emphasized the need to take immediate measures to improve the security and economic situation, maintain the viability of a two-state solution.”
On Iran, which represents a growing nuclear threat in the Middle East as it continues to enrich uranium at sites across the country, Netanyahu told the U.S. President: “I appreciate, Mr. President, your continuous commitment to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear-weapons capability. I think that’s critical,” Netanyahu said. “And that shared goal of ours can be achieved by a credible military threat, crippling sanctions and supporting the brave men and women of Iran who despise that regime, and who are our real partners for a better future.”
The Israeli prime minister added: “I look forward to working with you and your team to realize the promise and confront the threat.”
According to a readout of the meeting released by the White House, during the meeting, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, as well as ongoing close cooperation between Israel and the United States to counter all threats posed by Iran and its proxies.
They also consulted on progress toward establishing a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Middle East region, including through efforts to deepen and expand normalization with countries in the region.
The two leaders welcomed the historic announcement made at the G20 to develop the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel, and discussed how the project can benefit the entire Middle East region with investment and new forms of collaboration across two continents.
Biden and Netanyahu and their teams welcomed the likely convening soon of a ministerial meeting in the Negev format to further advance regional integration initiatives, as well as deepening the ongoing U.S.-Israeli Tech Dialogue.
With regard to ongoing tension and violence in the West Bank, President Biden ”emphasized the need to take immediate measures to improve the security and economic situation, maintain the viability of a two-state solution, and promote a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”
To that end, the President called on all parties to fulfill their commitments made during meetings held earlier this year in Aqaba, Jordan and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to include refraining from further unilateral measures.
The two leaders and their teams agreed to consult with regional partners with the aim of convening a meeting soon in this important Aqaba/Sharm format.
At the end of the meeting, President Biden invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to Washington D.C. before the end of the year to continue direct collaboration on this broad range of issues.
