Highlights from the Biden-Netanyahu meeting

US President Biden, who was in New York as part of the 78th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, held his first bilateral meeting with Netanyahu, who became Israel’s prime minister last December. The two leaders appeared before the camera before the meeting, which began with a delay of approximately half an hour.

“WE DISCUSS DIFFICULT TOPICS”

In his speech here, Biden said: “Today we will address some difficult issues, including the separation of powers in our systems, supporting the democratic values ​​that are at the center of our partnership, preserving the path to a two-state negotiation.” solution and ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons,” he said.

Speaking of his support for Israel even though they have some “differences,” Biden noted that it would not have been possible to talk about normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia 10 years ago.

NETANYAHU’S ‘DEMOCRACY’ MESSAGE

Netanyahu began his speech by referring to his friendship with Biden, saying, “As president, I believe we can establish a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia under your leadership.” saying.

Assessing that such peace would be important to achieving reconciliation between the Islamic world and Israel, Netanyahu argued that Saudi-Israeli normalization would also be important to achieving real peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Netanyahu gave a message to act together with the United States against Iran. On the other hand, the Israeli Prime Minister made commitments regarding democracy, for which he was criticized, and said:

“Mr. President, I would like to express once again in your presence that one thing is true and will never change; Israel’s commitment to democracy. “We will continue to protect the values ​​that our two proud democracies hold dear.”

BIDEN-NETANYAHU TENSION

Cold winds have long been blowing between Biden and Netanyahu, who frequently expressed concern about Israel’s controversial judicial reform.

The meeting between both leaders, unlike other Israeli leaders, was held in New York within the framework of the 78th UN General Assembly, not in Washington, after a long time since Netanyahu took office, and began half an hour later late than expected. Comments were included as “a sign of discontent.”

Biden will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during the day. (AA)