From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 30, 2022
Bennett and visiting Georgian PM talk ‘geopolitical changes, regional challenges’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett meets his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Garibashvili, at his office in Jerusalem.
According to a statement from Bennett’s office, the two leaders speak about “geopolitical changes and their implications, regional challenges, and mutual opportunities between Israel and Georgia.”
The vague topics are likely euphemisms for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear program.
Georgia, which neighbors Russia, was invaded by Russian forces in 2008, and is seeking to join the European Union and NATO. Today Russia occupies roughly 20% of Georgia’s territory.
Garibashvili also meets with Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy in the Knesset. “Iran is providing ammunition to Hezbollah incessantly,” says Levy during their meeting. “It is funding terror and undermining quiet in our region. We won’t allow this to happen.”
Georgia, a close ally of Israel and top travel destination for Israelis, celebrated its national day last week, and the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic relations this week.
The Times of Israel Community.