Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, met with a bi-partisan delegation from the U.S. Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator James Lankford (R-OK).
The press release said: “The sides discussed the strong partnership between the countries that are signatories to the Accords – Israel, the US, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco – and the inherent potential to tighten the cooperation in all areas.
They also discussed the importance of cross-party support in the US Congress for the Abraham Accords and for the opportunities to expand them.
Prime Minister Netanyahu presented the Israeli evidence regarding the Iranian threat and how it is possible to deal with it by fielding a credible military threat and using economic and diplomatic pressure, and the potential for tightening cooperation in this regard.
Also participating in the meeting were Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi, Israeli Ambassador to the US Mike Herzog and US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides.”
Jacky Rosen, from the US-Democrats, requested not to meet with Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich although they are democratically elected by the people of Israel. The Biden administration has not stated whether it would engage with Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich or not. It is strange that a co-chair of a caucasus is defining the politics of a strategic ally of the USA.
Rosen’s request sets a strong precedent for both the administration as well as other future delegations by American lawmakers. As so often, the left thinks to make its own laws and rules and obey them only as long as they serve its interests.
Legistorm gives some background information: “The Senate Abraham Accords Caucus exists to build on the success of the historic Abraham Accords. For decades, the United States has promoted Israel’s acceptance among Arab states and advanced prospects for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Congress, in particular, has played a key role in promoting peace between Israel and its neighbors.
The Abraham Accords resulted in peace and normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states—the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco—transforming the region, enhancing Israel’s security, creating economic opportunities for Arab states, and advancing vital U.S. national security interests.
The Senate Abraham Accords Caucus encourages partnerships between the United States, Israel, Arab states, and other relevant countries and regions. The bipartisan Caucus also provides Congressional leadership to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords by promoting the benefits of normalizing relations with Israel.”
Primary staff contacts:
- Stephen L. Boyd Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) (Aug. 2020-)
- Daniel Bleiberg Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) (Sept. 2022-)
Member List:
- Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) Co-Chair
- Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) Co-Chair
- Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) Co-Chair
- Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) Co-Chair
- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Based on press release by Prime Minister.