Israeli defense minister, US secretary of state send united message to Iran
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a united front, conveyed a strong message to Iran, which continues to pose a serious threat on the world stage.
The defense minister noted the appropriate timing of Blinken’s visit to the Middle East, and Israel specifically, in light of considerable speculation about Iran’s intentions to destabilize the region.
Iran is believed to be continuing its efforts to produce a nuclear weapon to use against Israel, whose existence it has threatened. Both Israel and the United States are strongly opposed to Iran developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon. The two allies claim they will not tolerate the level of aggression represented by the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
However, it is not only Iran which poses a regional threat. Gallant raised the topic of the Iranian proxies, such as the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which plays a role in both Lebanon and Syria, states which border Israel.
Gallant and Blinken discussed joint U.S.-Israeli military exercises, including “Juniper Oak,” the latest set of exercises to simulate actions against the Iranian facilities that house the state’s nuclear arsenal.
Gallant said he believes that increased cooperation with Israel’s neighbors is to the advantage of all, because it will ultimately strengthen the region.
The pair also discussed Israel’s counter-terrorism strategies, in light of the recent spate of Palestinian terror attacks which have targeted and killed Israelis and other civilians in recent days.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
