Israel’s foreign minister discusses situation in Iran and Gaza issue with US state secretary

In their meeting this afternoon in Washington, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his “firm” commitment to standing by Israel “over the years, as well as for the clear support of President Trump’s administration for Israel”, The Times of Israel writes.

The two diplomats discussed “the various challenges and opportunities in the Middle East,” says Sa’ar’s office.

Among the issues they discussed, says Israel, were “the issue of Iran following the unprecedented cooperation between the countries to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat and the ‘snapback’ issue, the war on Hamas in Gaza, and the UN General Assembly discussions next month. Cooperation to repel anti-Israeli moves in the international arena was also raised.”

The State Department readout says the pair “discussed key issues in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.”

Rubio also stressed “the importance of countering Iran’s malign influence,” the US readout says, adding that the pair “agreed that continued close cooperation between their countries is vital to the security and prosperity of the region.”