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

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)

US President Joe Biden congratulated Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on forming a government with Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid on a phone call Sunday night after it was sworn in earlier that evening, 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 the ally 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 Monday, Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken 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.

This follows their conversation after the Knesset voted to approve the government on Sunday evening during which, Lapid and Blinken, the two top diplomats spoke about the “special” relationship between the US and Israel.

Lapid thanked Blinken for the call, and towards the end Blinken invited his Israeli counterpart to Washington.

“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 said in response to Biden’s comment. “I look forward to working with you to strengthen ties between our two countries.”

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.”

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.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post