US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Wednesday, made a swift visit to Israel, during which he held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his partner in the soon-to-be unity government, Benny Gantz.
During his visit, Pompeo held separate meetings with Netanyahu and Gantz, leader of the centrist party of Blue and White.
In a joint press conference with Netanyah, Pompeo said that Israel’s unity government presents an opportunity for peace, adding that "Israel has the right to defend itself and the United States supports this right."
As for Netanyahu, he said that he considered his new government an opportunity to advance peace and security based on the understandings with Trump.
During his visit, Pompeo also met Gabi Ashkenazi, a lawmaker with Blue and White who is expected to serve as the new government's foreign minister, and Yossi Cohen, chief of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.
Gantz praised US President Donald Trump’s peace plan but warned of regional instability. Blue and White confirmed that Gantz discussed with Pompeo different ways to enact the plan.
Political sources said that Pompeo discussed 4 topics with the Israelis: the decision to annex lands from the West Bank, China, and Iran, in addition to the coronavirus pandemic. Sources said that Pompeo demanded postponing the annexation of Palestinian territories until there is an opportunity to engage Palestinians.
On the issue of the evolving relationship between Israel and China, Pompeo said that the Israelis and the world should beware of the Chinese, and any Chinese investment will cause information leakage and will strengthen the Communist Party of China.
Pompeo further accused Iran of using its resources to "foment terror" in the world at a time when its people are suffering from a devastating health and economic crisis.
Pompeo also discussed confronting Tehran's threats and the need for joint efforts to deter Iran and prevent it from attaining a nuclear weapon.
