Leaders meet on Iran, Syria and US-Israeli relations in trade, security and defense; Netanyahu: the American-Israeli alliance has never been stronger; Trump: We are with you, we are with Israel 100%.
Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Trump in New York on Wednesday ahead of his UN General Assembly address Thursday.
Their meeting centered on combatting Iran and its efforts in the region as well as US-Israeli relations in the areas of trade, security and defense.
Both leaders spoke to the press briefly during their sideline meeting at the United Nations, President Trump stating on relations with Israel, “there is a lot of progress being made in many other areas… trade, military, defense.” On Israel’s defense against its enemies, he stated “They are aggressive and have no choice but to be aggressive, its a very difficult part of the world… We are with you, we are with Israel 100%.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke next, thanking President Trump for his General Assembly speech. He stated “Thank you for your strong words yesterday at the General Assembly against the corrupt, terrorist regime of Iran. You back up your strong words with strong actions.” He added “I want to thank you for the extraordinary support for Israel in this building, the UN. No one has backed Israel like you do and we appreciate it.”
On the Trump Administration’s relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated “You have changed history and have touched our hearts.”
Addressing Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and its proxies in the region, the prime minister stated “I want to say how much I appreciate your robust defense of Israel and right of defense… Everyone must understand that Israel will continue to do what is necessary to defend ourselves from Iranian aggression in Syria, Lebanon, anywhere else… I want to say that we have no doubt that as we do so we will enjoy the support of President Donald Trump and the United States of America.”
Lastly, he spoke of the strong bond between the United States and Israel, stating “I think, and I say this objectively, that the American-Israeli alliance has never been stronger. It’s stronger than ever before under your leadership. And I look forward to working with you and your team to advance our common interest: security, prosperity and peace, with Israel’s neighbors and for the region, and we can do it- with you.”
During questions, President Trump was asked about the peace process, in which he responded “I like a two state solution. That’s what I think works best. That’s my feeling. It is a dream of mine to get that done prior to the end of my first term, other things to do in my second term. A lot of progress has been made, Israel and the Palestinians want to do something. We’ll start moving pretty soon, quite rapidly.”
Netanyahu will give his UN General Assembly speech on Thursday.
Amir will give a special update directly following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech on Thursday. The event time will be announced soon.
Photo: Roman Yanushevsky/Shutterstock.com
