Secretary of State Antony Brinken congratulated Israel’s Eli Cohen on his appointment as foreign minister, reminding the Netanyahu administration’s latest appointment of the US position on a bilateral settlement with neighboring Palestine.
In Monday’s phone call, the two discussed US-Israel relations, mutual interests and regional security. However, according to the reading, Blinken also “underscored the continued US commitment to a two-state solution and opposition to policies that endangered its survival”.
The chief’s comments come days after Benjamin Netanyahu’s dramatic return to power as he was sworn in as Israel’s prime minister for the sixth time.
Benjamin Netanyahu returns to power in Israel, new government sworn in
Netanyahu was ousted in June 2021 and is still on trial for corruption charges.
But the popular right-wing figurehead – who secured another term and spearheaded one of the most right-wing cabinets Israel has seen – could push settlement advances in the West Bank of Palestine. Expected, Reuters reported.
Netanyahu has allied his party with the religious Zionist and Jewish power parties that oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party, was also appointed finance minister on Sunday, vowing that “Israel will become an island of stability and responsibility,” according to Reuters.
Battle of the Holy Land: Israeli MPs Condemn EU’s ‘Illegal’ Actions Against Bible Lands
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s appointed Minister of Police, was also in the spotlight after he was reportedly convicted in 2007 of inciting violence against Arabs and aiding Jewish extremist groups.
The latest police minister made headlines during the election campaign by saying “every police officer should know that if a terrorist comes to hurt you, his blood will be confiscated,” Reuters said. Stated.
After his election, Netanyahu vowed to prioritize countering Iranian aggression and bringing peace to the region. But some fear that his concessions to far-right governments will further violate the boundaries identified in the 1967 UN resolution.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
President Biden also congratulated Netanyahu and his administration on securing senior officials, but was firm in his desire for a two-state solution when it came to Israeli-Palestinian relations.
“The United States will continue to support the two-state solution and oppose policies that jeopardize its survival or conflict with our mutual interests and values,” he said.