From the Liveblog of
Thursday, July 14, 2022
After talks, Biden says US ‘completely devoted’ to Israel’s security, Lapid praises his Saudi trip, says they discussed stopping Iran
US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Yair Lapid make brief remarks to the press, seated side by side at the conclusion of their one-on-one meeting. Notably, in remarks helpful to Biden, widely criticized for his volte face in going to Saudi Arabia after vowing to make it a pariah, Lapid says Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia is important for Israel.
As they wait for cameras to set up, Biden says, “We talked American baseball.”
Responds Lapid: “That is correct. We had a very long conversation about baseball, which I know nothing about. (Laughter.) And we didn’t mention Iran or Saudi Arabia or all those issues.”
Biden then speaks more formally to the press, at times reading from cue cards.
“Folks, I want to thank — I want to thank the Prime Minister. We had a good and beginning of what’s going to be a long — God willing — relationship, a candid conversation about both the problems and the opportunities both our countries face, particularly in the Middle East.
“And we talked about how important it was — I talked about how important it was, from my perspective, for Israel to be totally integrated into the region and completely integrated into the region.
“And we — we are — I guarantee you our administration –and I think the vast majority of the American public, not just my administration — is completely devoted to Israel’s security without any ifs, ands, or buts — without any doubts about it.
“And we also talked about the fact that we have a full day ahead of us, including a virtual summit with the — with India and the UAE. The four of us are going to have a discussion after this meeting is over.
“And — and that’s — we talked about a lot of things but mainly related to developing a personal friendship and the long-lasting commitment to both our countries, to one another.”
Lapid says the threat from Iran was discussed by the two leaders.
“It is great, Mr. President. Of course, we’ve discussed your — we also talked shop about Saudi Arabia and your trip there, which is extremely important to Israel, trying to build an even more moderate coalition here in the Middle East — long needed.
“And we discussed the Iranian threat and what we think is the right thing to do in order to make sure, which is something we share, there will be no nuclear Iran. This is not only a threat on Israel but to the world, to the globe.
“And we discussed some other issues we’re going to keep to ourselves.”
Both men laugh; they decline to take questions.
The Times of Israel Community.