Tel Aviv, Jan. 21 (TNS): Speaking ahead of the arrival of US Vice President Mike Pence in Israel on Suday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday there can be no progress toward peace in the region without the US playing a leading role.
His comments come with the Palestinians and other prominent Arabs refusing to meet with US officials in anger over President Donald Trump’s controversial recognition of occupied Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“This evening a great friend of the State of Israel, a true friend, US Vice President Mike Pence, will arrive in Israel,” Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting.
“We shall discuss efforts by the Trump administration to hinder Iran’s aggression and the Iranian nuclear program, and of course to promote security and peace in the region,” Netanyahu said. “Anyone who truly strives to achieve those goals knows there is no alternative to the leadership of the US.”
Highlights from Pence’s trip will include visits to the Western Wall and the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum, as well as a speech at a special plenary session in the Knesset which Arab lawmakers have said they will boycott.
Netanyahu called the boycott plans a “disgrace.”
“I see it as a disgrace that Knesset members are intending to boycott this important visit in the Knesset and even plan to disrupt it. We will all be there and will pay Vice President Pence the great respect he deserves,” he said.
