Joe Biden arrives in the Middle East worried about Iran's nuclear program

Joe Biden meets with Benjamin Gantz

The Israeli authorities are confident that the United States and its President Joe Biden personally will continue to take the necessary steps to prevent Iran from gaining access to nuclear weapons. This was stated by Jewish Defence Minister Benjamin Gantz in a meeting with Biden.

Benjamin Gantz briefed Biden on security issues in the region, the ministry informed. "The unique bond between Israel and the United States is stronger than ever. The State of Israel is confident that President Joe Biden will continue to take the steps necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons," Benjamin Gantz said during the briefing.

The Israeli defense chief also stressed that during Biden's presidency, Israel and the US have made great strides in strengthening regional security cooperation, the press office pointed out.

"We are grateful for your strong support for Israel's security and for the assistance that has been approved, including $1 billion to restock the Iron Dome missile defense systems," Gantz noted. Also, the defence minister added that Israel and its partners in the Middle East region "seek stability and peace".

"A regional security architecture and stability led by the US will contribute to economic growth and the protection of human rights in the region. I am confident that under your leadership and together with US security structures, we will continue to develop defence cooperation on the ground, in the air, in the maritime environment and in the cybersphere," Benjamin Gantz said.

It is worth mentioning that Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday, embarking on his first Middle East tour since taking office. He will visit Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia from July 13th to 16th.

During Biden's official welcome ceremony at Ben-Gurion Airport, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said he intended to discuss with Biden "the creation of a new security architecture" in the Middle East, as well as "the need to renew a strong global coalition that will stop Iran's nuclear programme".