President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Tuesday 4 February / 9 Shevat, hosted some 30 officers from the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines who are visiting Israel with JINSA, the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, as part of its US Military Leaders Program. JINSA works with decision-makers on defense and strategic matters, particularly on robust US-Israeli security cooperation. Commander of the IDF Military Colleges, Maj.-Gen. Itay Virov, is leading the Israeli side of the delegation.
The president welcomed the participants to Jerusalem and thanked the organizers for all they do to advance the US-Israel security relationship. He said “Israel has no better friend and ally than the United States. The unbreakable bond between us is based on our shared democratic values and our shared security interests. Our military cooperation is important not only for the security of Israel and the United States, but for the entire Middle East. It is especially important as Iran continues to spread terror throughout the region, and to take steps to advance its nuclear program.”
Regarding President Trump’s peace plan, the president said, “As we continue to face the threats from Iran and its proxies today, including the terrorist organizations in Gaza, we also look to the opportunities and challenges of the future. The vision for peace which President Trump presented last week, recognizes Israel's need to retain security responsibility for all areas west of the Jordan River. Israel must always be able to defend itself by itself. Yet, while we will never compromise the security of our citizens, I believe that a vision of peace with our Palestinian neighbors is a realistic one. Israelis and Palestinians are not doomed to live together, it is our destiny to live together. I hope that both sides will take this opportunity to restart direct negotiations.”
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