Netanyahu “commend[ed] the abiding commitment of the US and President Donald Trump to the security of Israel,” after Trump’s summit with Putin in Helsinki.
By: United with Israel Staff
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended President Donald Trump for his “abiding commitment” to Israel’s security after the summit in Helsinki between Trump and Russian President Valdimir Putin.
The two leaders discussed several issues, including the situation on Israel’s northern border with Syria.
In a press conference on Monday following the three hour meeting, Trump announced that the two leaders were committed to Israel’s security
In a statement issued later on, Netanyahu stated that he “commends the abiding commitment of the US and President Donald Trump to the security of Israel, as expressed at the meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.”
“The friendship between Israel and the US has never been stronger,” he underscored.
Netanyahu added that he also “very much appreciates the security coordination between Israel and Russia and the clear position expressed by President Putin regarding the need to uphold the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.”
Trump and Putin said they are exploring ways to protect Israel from conflict raging near its border in Syria. Bashar al-Assad’s armies are advancing south towards Israel’s border with Syria, and Israel is fearful of the possible outcome. Israel has said it will not accept the presence of forces or proxy forces of its arch-enemy Iran along its border.
The two leaders did not commit to any specific actions, but both said that ensuring Israel’s security was a priority.
Speaking later on with Fox News, Trump said “we came to a lot of good conclusions. A really good conclusion for Israel. Something very strong.”
Trump also said that Putin was “a believer in Israel. He’s a fan of Bibi. Really helping him a lot and will help him a lot, which is good for all of us.”
Israel is deeply concerned about Iran’s presence in Syria, where Iranian forces and proxies have been fighting on behalf of the Syrian government, which is also supported by Russia.
Netanyahu has appealed to both Trump and Putin to eliminate the Iranian presence, which the Jewish state regards as an existential threat.
AP contributed to this report.