The four-day trip to the Middle East began with a visit to Israel by US President Joe Biden. They want to strengthen strategic cooperation, including with the Arab states. Because they are united by the common enemy: Iran.
Joe Biden’s first trip to the Middle East as US president is all about security. It will take four days, Wednesday he arrived in Israel for the start. Biden, along with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Jair Lapid, visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. It will be his tenth visit to Israel, but his first visit will also be to Saudi Arabia.
The Gulf Corporation Council meeting in Jeddah is scheduled for Friday, before Biden will travel to the West Bank for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Biden’s goal: to build a defense network in the Middle East. This should be aimed in particular at Iran.
Israel and the US want to strengthen cooperation
His political talks will also focus on Israel’s increasing integration into the region. Prior to Biden’s visit, Lapid had encouraged countries in the Middle East to establish ties with Israel. Israel, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states share concerns about the threat from Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz briefed the US president on Israel’s defensive capabilities, particularly with the Iron Dome anti-missile shield.
Laser weapon in sight
However, the US paid special attention to the Israeli-developed laser weapon “Iron Beam”. Operating since 2020, the system uses a fiber laser beam and is designed to destroy short-range missiles, artillery and mortar shells. Only those weapons that are too close for the Iron Dome system. Basically they want to collaborate more closely on future technologies. This partnership, Biden said upon arrival, “is unwavering and deeper and stronger than ever.”
Biden and Lapid signed a strategy deal on Wednesday night. The US reiterated its “iron commitment” to the safety of its longtime ally.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
