President Biden hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the White House on Wednesday to discuss threats posed by Iran as concern grows over its strengthening relationship with Russia.
Biden emphasized to Herzog his pledge to ensure Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon. The White House expressed concern on Wednesday that Russia may be advising Iran on best practices to manage protests as the Iranian government has violently cracked down on women-led anti-government protests.
Also in the meeting, Biden and Herzog discussed the new maritime agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Biden called it “a historic breakthrough” that’s “going to create new hope and economic opportunities for the people in Lebanon, and it enhances stability and security for the people of Israel.”
The agreement between Lebanon and Israel establishes a sea boundary between the two countries. The border between them has been monitored by United Nations peacekeepers for over 40 years.
Biden’s energy envoy traveled to Beirut on Wednesday as part of the final steps in securing the agreement.
“It took a lot of courage for you to step up and step into it, and it took some real guts, and I think it took principle and persistent diplomacy to get it done. And I compliment you and I compliment the government,” Biden said to Herzog.
Biden in the meeting condemned antisemitism, which is in the spotlight in the U.S. recently amid the backlash and fallout over…
