Jake Sullivan arrives in Israel as Netanyahu's government faces crisis
The US national security adviser's visit comes as the Biden administration seeks clarity on the Netanyahu government's intentions toward the Palestinians and in the middle of an internal crisis.
WASHINGTON — US national security adviser Jake Sullivan arrived in Israel on Wednesday and started meetings with senior officials, just as the country's top court ruled Wednesday that Aryeh Deri, a Cabinet member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's newly formed government, cannot serve as minister due to a recent tax evasion conviction.
Sullivan's visit is expected to focus on threats posed by Iran and efforts to expand normalization between Arab states and Israel, White House National Security Council coordinator John Kirby told reporters during a press briefing.
The meetings will also cover the Biden administration's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and opposition to any moves that could undermine that prospect, Kirby said.
Why it matters: Sullivan's visit marks the culmination of the Biden administration's attempt to clear the air with Netanyahu's newly sworn-in right-wing government.
