From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
During Biden visit, Israel, US to release ‘historic’ platform for bilateral cooperation
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israel and the US will release a joint declaration Thursday on the future of the bilateral relationship, a senior Israeli official says during a Zoom briefing to reporters.
The document, titled “The Jerusalem Declaration on the US-Israel Strategic Partnership,” is a “historic statement… that shows the unique nature of what we have between our countries.”
“It is a platform for cooperation in the coming years,” says the official, adding that it is a “strong expression of the vitality and indispensability of the relations between Israel and the US.”
The declaration will be released to the public on Thursday after the meeting between Prime Minister Yair Lapid and US President Joe Biden.
The document addresses the Iranian nuclear program, committing both countries to “use all elements of national power” to counter the threat.
It also stresses the importance of US military assistance to Israel as “an anchor of regional stability,” according to the official.
Turning to the broader visit, the official calls the trip an “unprecedented opportunity to change dynamics in the Middle East.”
“There is a very strong wind blowing saying that the US is committed to working with Israel and its partners and friends in the region in order to try to transform the region.”
The visit will focus on what the two countries share, says the official.
The Times of Israel Community.