Post by : Saif Rahman

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will bring up pressing issues regarding Iran and outline the forthcoming stage of the Gaza strategy in his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week. This confirmation came during a joint press meeting in Jerusalem with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Netanyahu expressed that Israel is keenly monitoring Iran's recent military movements. On Monday, Iranian state media disclosed that missile drills took place across several Iranian cities. Such military exercises have raised eyebrows among Western nations, who perceive Iran's missile capabilities as a potential threat to stability in the region, particularly if the country were to advance its nuclear weapons program. Iran has consistently stated its intention not to pursue nuclear bombs.

The Israeli leader clarified that, despite a brief skirmish with Iran earlier this year, Israel's goals remain unchanged, particularly in curbing Iran’s uranium enrichment. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is not looking for confrontations; rather, it seeks peace, stability, and economic growth across the region.

In addition to Iran, the situation in Gaza will be a major point of discussion with Trump. Netanyahu aims to evaluate how to move forward with the U.S.-endorsed plan for Gaza. Security matters concerning Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi faction in Yemen, both backed by Iran, will also be on the agenda.

Netanyahu stated that Israel aspires to see a stable, independent Lebanon and is dedicated to preempting attacks that could threaten international shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.

During the same meeting, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus reached an agreement to enhance their cooperation on security matters, reflecting their shared concerns over increasing regional tensions. They expressed that stronger ties would improve stability in the eastern Mediterranean.

Discussions also touched upon significant energy and transport initiatives, including a plan to create a trade route connecting India and Europe via the Middle East, employing both maritime and railways. Leaders acknowledged that this could elevate commerce and solidify economic connections among the involved regions.

Another initiative plans to establish an undersea power cable linking the electricity networks of Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Europe, and the Arabian Peninsula. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis noted that Greece is emerging as a vital energy center, especially in terms of liquefied natural gas, with these connections regarded as a priority.

The President of Cyprus remarked that these projects would convert the region into a pivotal conduit between Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen emphasized the significance of the meeting, especially as certain countries seek to undermine regional stability. He refrained from naming specific nations but stressed the importance of collaboration among allies.

As Netanyahu gears up for his visit to Washington, the discussions are anticipated to considerably influence Israel’s strategic decisions regarding security, energy, and diplomatic relations in an ever-challenging environment.

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