Bennett tells Blinken Israel ‘concerned about the intention to delist’ IRGC as terror group

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hold a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.

“Today is a historic day. We’re hosting the Negev Summit here in Israel,” Bennett says.

“The Middle East is changing and it’s changing for the better,” he adds. “We’re working together to overcome the forces of darkness and build a new future.”

The premier thanks Blinken for his efforts “to further and expand” the Abraham Accords.

“We’re concerned about the intention to delist the IRGC… their proxy the Houthis just this weekend carried out a horrific attack on Saudi Arabia,” Bennett says.

He adds that he hopes the US will listen to “concerned voices” from the region on the matter.

He also says Israel is working “to improve the lives” of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

“While we can’t solve everything, we can improve the lives of people on the ground… Even if you can’t solve everything, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything,” he says.

Concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Bennett says Israel is committed to doing everything “to stop the bloodshed” and stresses Israeli support for the Ukrainian people. He also notes Israel is providing humanitarian aid.

“I’m proud of what Israel is doing,” he says.

He also says Israeli diplomatic efforts to end the war “are in coordination” with the US and other countries.