White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Wednesday observed a growing trend in the international community away from Israel and reacted to decisions by Ireland, Spain and Norway to recognize Palestinian statehood. did.
Speaking at his daily White House briefing, Sullivan reiterated President Biden’s support for a “two-state solution” that could be achieved if Israeli forces defeat Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip.
“Countries are entitled to make their own decisions, but the United States’ position is clear,” Sullivan said. “As I mentioned earlier, President Biden has publicly stated that he supports a two-state solution. He has also publicly stated that a two-state solution should be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, rather than unilateral recognition. This is a principled position that we have consistently maintained. We will communicate this position to our partners around the world and monitor future developments.”
The National Security Adviser explained: “We believe that a two-state solution that guarantees the security of Israel and a future of dignity and security for the Palestinian people is the best way to deliver long-term security and stability for all people in the region – Israelis, Palestinians and Arabs,” Biden said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tears apart Ireland, Spain, Norway to recognize Palestinian state: ‘Retribution for terrorism’
“He’s talked about a regional vision where Israel actually integrates with all the moderate Arab countries and builds structures that bring about stability in the region,” Sullivan said. “And I spoke to the crown prince this weekend in Saudi Arabia about that very vision, and you’ve seen him make public statements about what’s possible if Israel continues down that path.”
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
“We will continue to have these discussions with the Israeli government,” he continued, “in the meantime, we will seek to ensure the lasting defeat of Hamas, ensure governance and security in the Gaza Strip is achieved by an alternative rather than by Hamas, and ultimately reach a credible path to the two-state solution that President Biden has spoken about.”
Sullivan visited Saudi Arabia last week and met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to discuss a “comprehensive vision for a unified Middle East region,” according to the U.S. Embassy in Israel. . Sullivan then traveled to Jerusalem, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and other Israeli officials about ongoing hostage deal talks.
Sullivan also answered a reporter’s question Wednesday about Israel’s “growing diplomatic isolation” and what that means for the Saudi Arabian recognition deal for Israel.
From left to right, three Irish leaders, Minister Eamon Ryan, Prime Minister Simon Harris and Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin, announce the decision to recognise a Palestinian state in 2024 during a press conference in Dublin, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Damien Strang/PA via AP)
“I think that’s a fair question, and as a country that has taken a position defending Israel in international forums like the United Nations, we’ve certainly seen an increasing number of voices, including some that were previously supportive of Israel, drifting in the other direction, and that concerns us because we don’t think that contributes to Israel’s long-term security or vitality,” Sullivan said. “And this is something that we’ve discussed with the Israeli government, and we believe that a strategic approach of defeating Hamas, protecting civilians, increasing humanitarian assistance, and pursuing that vision of regional integration that I just talked about, puts Israel in the best position to engage with the rest of the world and revitalize many of the partnerships and friendships that have been and can continue to be a great strength for Israel.”
In retaliation for Ireland, Spain and Norway’s announcement on Wednesday that the European countries would recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would suspend the transfer of tax revenue to the Palestinian Authority. Ta. The move could jeopardize the company’s already waning ability to pay salaries to thousands of employees, according to the Associated Press.
House Democrats slam Ireland, Spain, Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood as a ‘gift to Hamas’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the decision to recognize a Palestinian state at a meeting of his deputies in Madrid on May 22, 2024. (Thomas Koex/AFP via Getty Images)
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Sullivan condemned the move.
“I think that’s wrong,” he said of withholding funds from the Palestinian Authority. “I think it’s strategically wrong, because withholding funds would destabilize the West Bank. It would undermine the Palestinian people’s pursuit of security and prosperity, which is in Israel’s interest. And , we think it is wrong to withhold funds that provide basic goods and services.” Therefore, from our point of view, these funds will continue with all necessary safeguards. It should, but it should continue to flow. ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
