Israel Calls For Increased US-led Regional Power In Confronting Iran, Looking Forward Ahead Of President Biden's Visit?

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz. (Wikimedia Commons/IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer)

JAKARTA - Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz called on Arab countries, which share Israel's concerns about Iran, to build common strength under the protection of the United States, ahead of President Joe Biden's visit.

In his speech, Defense Minister Benny Gantz cited Israel's security ties with the Gulf Arab states that are getting closer under the 2020 United States-sponsored diplomatic effort, as well as Egypt and Jordan, and said there were efforts to expand such cooperation.

"What is needed is not only cooperation, but also regional power building, with American leadership, that will strengthen all parties involved," he said, according to the official transcript.

The original Hebrew does not specify whether 'strength' refers to a joint military unit, or a more general capability.

"In this regard, we continue to work, for the safety of the Israeli people," Gantz said.

Saudi Arabia signaled its support for the so-called Abraham Agreement, under which the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain established ties with Israel two years ago. However, Riyadh does not officially recognize its neighbor Israel.

While citing the official White House website, spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden would visit the Middle East region on July 13-16. The goal is to strengthen the United States' commitment to Israel's security and prosperity, as well as attend the Gulf Cooperation Council summit plus Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan (known as GCC+3).

The visit will begin in Israel by meeting with all the country's leaders, to discuss Israel's increased security, prosperity and integration into the wider region.

Later, President Biden will visit the West Bank to consult with the Palestinian Authority and to reaffirm his strong support for a two-state solution, with measures of security, freedom and equal opportunities for the Palestinian people.

From there, only President Biden will visit Saudi Arabia, to fulfill the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.

Iran's nuclear program, and so far fruitless international negotiations to revive the 2015 deal that limited it, are among issues that are likely to be on President Biden's agenda when he visits Israel and Saudi Arabia next month.