Israel’s concern over the spike in antisemitism around the globe and in the US in particular, which was sparked by the recent fighting between Gaza and Israel, was one of the key topics of conversation in the working meeting on Wednesday between President Reuven Rivlin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who happens to be Jewish.
Even if it were not so, Blinken came to Israel repeating US President Joe Biden's condemnation of antisemitic incidents across the US.
Rivlin conveyed Israel’s appreciation for Biden’s strongly and clearly expressed position on the issue of antisemitism.
Hamas, which initiated the recent conflagration, was also a major feature of the discussion between the two men.
Rivlin found it inconceivable that Hamas is not designated as a war criminal worldwide. It is vitally important to apply this designation, he insisted, when IDF soldiers are facing charges in the International Criminal Court. “The world should understand that the real war criminals are hiding in Gaza behind civilian populations.”
Blinken reiterated America’s solidarity with Israel, its commitment to the bilateral relationship and the need to work together to bring peace and reconciliation to the region, commending Rivlin for adding his strong voice to these efforts.
The secretary of state also conveyed Biden’s invitation to Rivlin to visit the US before the completion of his term, and Rivlin confirmed that he would gladly do so.
BREAKING: Secretary of State Blinken invites Israeli President Rivlin for a meeting with President Biden at the White House before he ends his term in July. Rivlin accepted the invitation and will be the 1st senior Israeli official to meet Biden in the Oval Office
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) May 26, 2021