US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is visiting Israel, tweeted about his meeting with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, describing it as “productive”.
“We discussed the strength of the bilateral relationship, US commitment to Israel’s security, countering Iran, the need to deescalate the situation in the West Bank, and the Negev Forum’s contribution to regional integration,” he wrote.
Cohen earlier on Monday welcomed Blinken to Jerusalem, saying, “I am very pleased to host a true friend of Israel. This is a very difficult week for us in Israel, and for all of our friends and allies. Your presence here, during this very sad week is most meaningful.”
Cohen noted that every visit of an American Secretary of State to Israel is “historic and important.”
“It is significant and will strengthen the relationship between our countries,” he said. “Our alliance serves as one of the main pillars of our national security, defense, and foreign relations.”
Blinken met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in Israel for an official visit on Monday afternoon.
In their joint statement, Netanyahu thanked Blinken, and said the US and Israel were working together to thwart a nuclear Iran.
Netanyahu also hinted he would be pursuing a peace deal with Saudi Arabia by "expanding the circle of peace" with other countries beyond the Abraham Accords.
Later in the day, President Isaac Herzog held a diplomatic work meeting with Blinken. The President and the Secretary met privately, after which they held an expanded meeting with the participation of both delegations.
On that meeting, Blinken tweeted, “Good seeing President of Israel Isaac Herzog today in Jerusalem. We discussed the strong U.S.-Israel relationship & our commitment to Israeli democracy & security. We also spoke about Iran, the situation in the West Bank & Negev Forum Working Group meetings in UAE.”