US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke on the phone on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart Meir Ben Shabbat, Israeli officials told Axios.
Why does it matter: This is the first contact between the Biden White House and the Israeli prime minister’s office. During the transition, the Biden team refrained from talking to foreign governments.
News management: Israeli officials said the call was intended primarily as an introduction and to initiate dialogue.
- One of the issues discussed was Iran.
- The two national security advisers also covered the Abraham Accords – the biblical mark the administration has given to individual normalization agreements between Israel and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
- In recent days, Sullivan has appealed to his counterparts in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and South Korea.
- The White House did not comment on the call with the Israeli national security adviser.
The whole picture: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is concerned about President Biden’s stated goal of trying to resume nuclear deals with Iran. Such a move could lead to tensions between the Biden administration and the Israeli government.
- Secretary of State Tony Blinken said at this week’s confirmation hearing that “there is a long way to go” until Iran’s agreement can be resumed.
- He stressed that the US will consult with Israel and the Gulf states before making any decision