Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed by phone on Tuesday US President Joe Biden’s planned visit to Israel.
The visit will be “an opportunity to emphasize the president’s deep personal connection to Israel, America’s commitment to Israel’s security and strengthening Israel in the region,” the Foreign Ministry stated.
“The visit has significant ramifications on the region and the struggle against Iran and the great potential to significantly improve regional stability and security.”
Yair Lapid
Knesset dispersing
The calls came a day after Lapid and Bennett announced they would be dispersing the Knesset next week and calling an election for October. Lapid is set to become prime minister in the interim government.
Biden’s visit, planned for July 13-14, is still scheduled to proceed as planned, the White House confirmed on Monday.
I spoke with @yairlapid today regarding the dissolution of the Knesset, underscoring our respect for Israel’s democratic processes and our unwavering commitment to the strong U.S.-Israeli strategic relationship.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) June 21, 2022
Lapid’s office said, “The visit has significant ramifications on the region and the struggle against Iran and the great potential to significantly improve regional stability and security.”
Blinken also spoke with Bennett regarding the impending dissolution of the Knesset.
In the call, Blinken underscored "our respect for democratic processes" and reaffirmed their support for strong US-Israel ties and concerns regarding Iran.
Lapid's Turkey visit
The foreign minister also updated Blinken about his plan to visit Turkey on Thursday and cooperation between Jerusalem and Ankara to thwart Iranian-backed terrorist attacks against Israelis visiting Istanbul.
Lapid’s office said earlier Tuesday that his trip to Turkey will go on as scheduled, despite the political situation.
Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Ushpiz plans to join Lapid on the visit.