National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan traveled to Israel and the West Bank from December 21-22. The meetings were attended by Tom Nides, Ambassador of the United States, Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East Affairs, Yael Lempert. In Jerusalem, Mr. Sullivan met with President Herzog, Prime Minister Bennett, Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Lapid, Defense Minister Gantz and National Security Advisor Hulata to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the two countries and to discuss key regional and bilateral political issues on their joint Agenda. Mr. Sullivan and Dr. Hulata also chaired the fourth meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group to continue the intensive consultations between the two sides on the challenges and opportunities in the region.
In his meetings with senior Israeli officials, Mr. Sullivan affirmed that the longstanding partnership between the United States and Israel is built on common interests and values, and highlighted the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. He reiterated President Biden’s pledge to ensure Israel has the resources it needs to defend itself, including the Iron Dome. The US and Israeli delegations held extensive consultations on Iran, with Mr Sullivan underlining the US government’s determination to counter all aspects of the threat Iran poses to regional and international peace and security. He also reiterated the United States’ firm commitment to ensure that Iran never receives a nuclear weapon.
Mr. Sullivan praised the Israeli government’s efforts in strengthening ties with partners in the region and highlighted US support for the Abraham Agreement. The US and Israeli delegations discussed efforts to deepen and expand peaceful relations between Israel and countries in the Arab and Muslim world and agreed to work closely together towards this common goal. The two sides also exchanged perspectives on the current situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and discussed steps to strengthen the Palestinian Authority and improve the lives of the Palestinians. Mr Sullivan stressed the need to avoid taking steps that could spark local tension and encouraged efforts to promote calm and move closer to the goal of a two-state solution.
In Ramallah, Mr. Sullivan met with Palestinian Authority President Abbas to highlight the US government’s interest in strengthening engagement with the Palestinian Authority and deepening relations with the Palestinian people. They discussed the steps the US administration has taken this year for the benefit of the Palestinians, including the resumption of significant economic and development aid and contributions to UNRWA. Mr Sullivan reiterated President Biden’s commitment to achieving a two-state solution and discussed the importance of taking action to build trust, increase stability and security, and promote a more hopeful vision for the future.
Mr. Sullivan’s trip to Israel and the West Bank marks the culmination of a year of intense U.S. engagement with partners across the region and demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to building on this strong foundation over the coming year to serve the enduring interests of USA to promote the Middle East.
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