Biden calls Bennett, world leaders congratulate new Israeli gov't

The US "remains unwavering in its support for Israel's security," Biden said, saying that the US government is committed to working with the new Israeli government

By MAAYAN GILOH
Updated: JUNE 14, 2021 21:53
Prime Minister Naftali Bennet on the phone with US President Joe Biden. (photo credit: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE)
Prime Minister Naftali Bennet on the phone with US President Joe Biden.
(photo credit: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE)
World leaders congratulated Prime Minister Naftali Bennet and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid  on forming a new government after being sworn in on Sunday evening. 
US President Joe Biden congratulated Bennett in a phone call late Sunday night, and expressed his wishes to further strengthen ties between the two countries.
On the call, Bennett thanked Biden for his congratulatory message and for his long-standing commitment to Israel and its security.
Bennett also thanked Biden for his support during Operation Guardian of the Walls, the most recent escalation between Israel and terror groups in the Gaza Strip, and that he considers him an ally.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of the alliance between Israel and the United States, as well as their commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries and to maintaining the security of the State of Israel.
"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement released moments after the new government was sworn in.
"Israel has no better friend than the United States," he continued. "The bond that unites our people is evidence of our shared values and decades of close cooperation."
The US "remains unwavering in its support for Israel's security," Biden said, saying that the US government is committed to working with the new Israeli government.
He concluded, "My administration is fully committed to working with the new Israeli government to advance security, stability, and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and people throughout the broader region."
"Thank you, Mr. President!" Bennett tweeted in response to Biden's comment. "I look forward to working with you to strengthen ties between our two countries."
Lapid also spoke at night with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and discussed the importance of maintaining a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the US State Department spokesman Ned Price.
They also addressed the importance of promoting normalization agreements between Israel and Arab countries as well as the Iranian issue. The two top diplomats spoke about the "special" relationship between the US and Israel.
Blinken invited his Israeli counterpart to Washington.
Vice President of the United States Kamal Harris tweeted on Monday: "We look forward to working closely with Israel’s new government to build on the strong bonds between our two countries and advance security and peace for Israelis and Palestinians."

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin congratulated Benny Gantz on Monday for his appointment as defense minister in the new government, the Pentagon announced. 
Austin "looks forward to continuing the important cooperation and dialogue with Minister Gantz to deepen the US-Israel strategic partnership," the statement said. "The commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad."

The Foreign Ministry of the United Arab Emirates congratulated Bennett and Lapid on the formation of the new government as well on Monday, saying "We look forward to working together to advance regional peace, strengthen tolerance and coexistence, and embark upon a new era of cooperation in technology, trade, and investment."
UN Middle East Peace Envoy Tor Wennesland also took to Twitter to congratulate the new government.
"I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett  and Alternate Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Yair Lapid for the formation of a new Israeli government. I look forward to working with the Government to advance the ultimate goal of a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians."

Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau joined in with his own congratulatory message to Bennett and Lapid. Saying that Canada "remains firm in its commitment to a two-state solution." Trudeau also thanked former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his important partnership over the years.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also offered his congratulations to the new Prime Minister as he tweeted:
"On behalf of the UK, I offer my congratulations to Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on forming a new government in Israel. As we emerge from COVID-19, this is an exciting time for the UK and Israel to continue working together to advance peace and prosperity for all."

As did UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. 
"Congratulations to Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on forming a new government in Israel. I look forward to continued cooperation on security, trade and climate change, and working together to secure peace in the region."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also congratulated Bennett saying that she wished to strengthen the friendship between the two countries and that she hopes to work closely with him.
German Foreign Affairs Minister Heiko Maas congratulated the new government on Twitter Sunday evening. 
"Congratulations to the new government of #IsraelFlag of Israel and to Yair Lapid, who I am excited to work with. Mazel tov! Germany will always be by Israel’s side. And thank you, Gabi Ashkenazi, for your outstanding service and friendship."

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on taking office on Monday, the official news agency of Bahrain reported. 

The prince expressed his desire that the newly formed government would succeed in its missions "in a way that would strengthen development, stability and peace in the region and the world."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian additionally expressed his welcome on Monday over Israel's new government.
"France reaffirms its determination to work with the new government in the spirit of friendship and cooperation that has characterized the French-Israeli partnership for more than seventy years," he said. 
"It reiterates its unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel, and its determination to work alongside it to maintain regional security and stability."
Le Drian said France would support Israeli and Palestinian peace talks "with the aim of reaching a just and lasting solution to the conflict, within a two-state solution based on international law and agreed parameters."
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz also congratulated Bennett and Lapid in a tweet, saying he looks forward to working with both of them.
"Austria is committed to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and will continue to stand by Israel‘s side," Kurz said.
Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi wished Prime Minister Bennett his congratulations on Monday morning, tweeting in Hebrew, "To celebrate the upcoming 30-year mark of the diplomatic relations of our two countries, I hope to meet with you and strengthen our strategic relationship." 

Zachary Keyser and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. 


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