The US Secretary of State's visit to Israel comes as the administration of US President Joe Biden is trying to resolve the two issues of the Iran nuclear deal and the Ukraine crisis.
Nuclear talks to revive the JCPOA were close to reaching an agreement a few weeks ago, but Russia made new demands of the United States at the last minute, insisting that sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine should not affect Russian trade with Iran.
According to Reuters, Mr. Blinken emphasized at the meeting that returning to compliance with the JCPOA is the best way to contain Iran's nuclear program and put it back "in the box it was in," and stated that regardless of whether this happens or not, "our commitment to the fundamental principle that Iran should never obtain a nuclear weapon is unwavering."
Referring to threats from Iran, Mr. Blinken also said that the United States will “continue to stand up to Iran” when Iran threatens the United States or its allies and partners. He continued the summit by emphasizing that the participating countries will work together to address common security challenges and threats, “including those from Iran and its proxies.”
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who had previously warned that the nuclear deal with Iran would not be binding on Israel, said after talks with Antony Blinken that he hoped Washington would "hear the voice of concern from the region, from Israel, and from others."
On the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced the decision of the countries participating in the Negev Summit to turn it into "a permanent forum," inviting the Palestinians to join it.
Speaking alongside his American, Emirati, Bahraini, Moroccan and Egyptian counterparts, Mr. Lapid added that the new structure and “the joint capabilities that we are building” will intimidate and deter “our common enemies, foremost among them Iran and its proxies,” Reuters reported.
Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic, condemned the holding of this meeting on Monday.
Terrorist attack during the summit
Security concerns in Israel were heightened after assailants shot and killed two border police officers in Hazara, a town 50 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. Police shot and killed the two men, who were identified as “Israeli citizens who were supporters of ISIS.” ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on its Telegram account, Reuters reported.
Following this terrorist attack, Anthony Blinken posted a message on his account, condemning the act and saying that violence has no place in society.
At the end of the Negev Summit on Monday, participants condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Hazara.
coronavirus
On Monday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement announcing that Naftali Bennett, who met with Antony Blinken on Sunday, had tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the statement, Mr. Bennett is doing well and continues to work from home.
Mr. Bennett's infection occurred after he had received all three doses of the vaccine.
Source: Voice of America
