Bolton, Ben-Shabbat discuss ways to secure 5G networks

"Communications networks form the backbone of our society and underpin every aspect of modern life."

APRIL 17, 2019 01:23

National security advisor John Bolton at press conference at King David (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST) — National security advisor John Bolton at press conference at King David

(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

WASHINGTON – US National Security Adviser John Bolton discussed with his Israeli counterpart, Meir Ben-Shabbat, ways to expand cooperation between the United States and Israel in securing 5G networks.

Bolton tweeted that he had “very productive meetings” with the Israeli delegation, adding that “We reaffirmed long-standing shared security priorities & discussed expanding cooperation to secure 5G networks, cyber security, & countering malign actors in the Middle East.”

Very productive meetings with members of the U.S.-Israeli national security teams today. We reaffirmed long-standing shared security priorities & discussed expanding cooperation to secure 5G networks, cyber security, & countering malign actors in the Middle East.
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) April 15, 2019

National Security Council Spokesman Garrett Marquis said after the meeting, "The United States is working across government and with our allies and like-minded partners to mitigate risk in the deployment of 5G and other communications infrastructure."

"Communications networks form the backbone of our society and underpin every aspect of modern life," he continued. "The United States will ensure that our networks are secure and reliable."

Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Sunday that US President Donald Trump raised the issue of 5G networks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their last White House meeting on March 26.

According to the report, Trump expressed concerns regarding China’s role in major infrastructure projects in Israel, such as building the new port in Haifa and the fact that Chinese companies like ZTE and Huawei are bidding on Israel’s 5G network. The president did not issue threats or raise an ultimatum, Channel 13 reported, but asked where things are standing.

National Security Council Spokesman Garrett Marquis said after the meeting, “The United States is working across government and with our allies and like-minded partners to mitigate risk in the deployment of 5G and other communications infrastructure.”

“Communications networks form the backbone of our society and underpin every aspect of modern life,” he continued. “The United States will ensure that our networks are secure and reliable.”

5G is a commonly used term for certain advanced wireless systems.