The US president extended warm greetings to Israel’s prime minister as the two sat down for a meeting in the Oval Office on Monday.
President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Monday to discuss trade, defense, and the Iranian threat, among other issues.
At the outset of the meeting, Trump commented, “We have right now probably the best relationship with Israel we’ve ever had. We’re as close now as maybe ever before. Jerusalem was a wonderful thing, and I know it was very much appreciated in a big part of the world, not just in Israel, so that was a decision that I had to make.”
Pivoting from the US’ Jerusalem declaration, Trump noted, “We are very close on trade deals, we are very, very close on military, terrorism, and all of the things we need to work together on. So, the relationship has never been better, and Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Netanyahu, it’s a great honor to have you.”
With the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem scheduled to coincide with Israel’s 70th Independence Day celebrations, Trump said he may visit Israel for the facility’s inauguration.
“We’re looking at coming, if I can I will, Israel is very special to me, special country, special people, I look forward to being there and I’m very proud of that decision,” said the US president.
When questioned about a timeline for releasing his “deal of the century” Mideast peace plan, Trump commented that his team is “working on it very hard,” adding, “We’ll see how it works out with Palestinians, who I think are wanting to come back to the table very badly. If they don’t you don’t have peace … and that’s a possibility also. That can happen.”
Netanyahu’s comments before the press at the White House focused on Israel’s appreciation for the US’ stance on Jerusalem and the ongoing regional threat posed by Iran.
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