US Embassy: Biden’s visit to Israel will take place as planned despite political changes

WORLD, Jun. 21 (YPA) – The US Embassy to the Israeli occupation entity confirmed after announcing early elections in the occupied territories that the White House looks forward to President Joe Biden’s visit to the Palestinian territories on July 13, and that it will take place as planned.

“Israel is a strategic partner, and we respect the democratic processes that are taking place,” a US embassy spokesman said on  late Monday, as quoted by Israel Channel 13.

The US president will arrive in Israel on July 13 and the occupation entity will be his first stop on his Middle East tour, which will run until July 16th and will also include a visit to the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia.

Israeli estimates indicate that during his stay in Saudi Arabia, Biden will announce steps to normalize ties between Israel and the Kingdom, which is expected to open its airspace for Israeli flights, and in return Israel will give the green light to transfer sovereignty of the two Red Sea islands, Tiran and Sanafir, from Egypt to Saudi Arabia.

During the visit, Biden is also expected to announce the establishment of a  regional air-defense alliance against Iranian missile and drone attacks.

The alliance expected to include US, Israel and signatories to the Abraham Accords, as well as other unsigned countries such as Qatar and Iraq. Biden is also expected to discuss nuclear talks with Iran with Lapid after his appointment as head of the transitional government.

E.M