Joe Biden arrives in Israel: “The two-state solution is the best to guarantee peace”

The solution of two states continues to be the best in ensuring peace and stability for Israelis and Palestinians, “said Joe Biden on his arrival on Wednesday at Israel on his first trip to the Middle East as president, on a tour that will take him to Saudi Arabia on Friday, a trip the New York Times described as “fraught with danger” for the president.

The president has arrived in Israel to show his support for that nation amid the low expectations that his arrival will lead to any change in arising tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.

The tour will include visits to West Bank and Saudi Arabiaon a journey focused on fostering growing ties between Israel and Arab countries, as well as restoring his administration’s ties with Riyadh.

“Our relations with Israel have never been so strong and deep,” said the president of the United States upon his arrival in Tel Aviv.

“The two-state solution still the best to ensure peace and stability for Israelis and Palestinians, “he said.” Greater peace, greater stability and greater connection are essential. “

“It is crucial, I might add, for all people in the region, so we will discuss my continued support, although I know it is not a short-term two-state solution, which is still, in my opinion, the best way to secure the future. from equal degree of freedom, prosperity and democracy for both Israelis and Palestinians, “added the Democrat.

The Iranian threat

Much of the emphasis before the trip was on improving relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors as part of Biden’s efforts to bring stability to the region and counter Iran’s growing nuclear threat.

“A historical visit”: This is how Prime Minister Yair Lapid greeted Biden’s arrival in Israel. “Historical. It expresses the indissoluble bond between our two countries”

Lapid then called Biden “a great Zionist”, announcing that they will discuss “the need to renew a strong global coalition for stop the Iranian nuclear program“.

“I will discuss national security issues. We will discuss building a new economic and security architecture with the nations of the Middle East, following the Abraham Accords and the results of the Negev Summit,” he added.

After two days in Israel and a visit to the West Bank, Biden plans to travel to Saudi Arabia, where administration officials have indicated that there may be some first steps towards public normalization of relations between that country and Israel.

“This may be the first presidential visit to Israel in history that the president has actually does not have such a deep political agendaand certainly not a real substantive agenda on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or the peace process, “said Michael Koplow, political director of the Israel Policy Forum, a non-profit group that advocates a two-state solution.

One issue that will likely be discussed is allow direct flights from Israel to Saudi Arabia for Israeli Muslims to make the Hajj pilgrimage.

“Any normalization of any kind would be a long process, but seeking progress and momentum in that direction is definitely something we focus on as we head to the Middle East,” said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

COVID-19

During the trip, Biden will take additional precautions against Covid-19such as minimizing contact and increasing the use of masks, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The variant BA.5 The highly contagious strain, now the dominant strain in the United States, has increased infections and hospitalizations.

I greet Israeli officials on the asphalt in Tel Aviv, Biden punched instead of handshakes to those who held the palm open, although he patted several officials on the back as they chatted without masks.

A day before Biden’s departure, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a tweet that had tested positive for Covid.

Prior to Biden’s arrival, Israeli leaders announced measures aimed at reducing tensions with Palestinians, including adding 1,500 work permits for Palestinian workers and legalizing the status of 5,500 undocumented Palestinians and others in West Bank.

US and Israeli officials also announced new efforts to improve technology sharing.

Source: ANSA

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