Netanyahu: 'I’ll talk security and peace with Trump'

PM Netanyahu was speaking at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting ahead of Donald Trump's arrival in Jerusalem on Monday.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
Updated: MAY 21, 2017 13:05
Netanyahu: 'I'll talk security and peace with Trump' (credit: GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would discuss regional security and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with US President Donald Trump when he arrives in Israel on Monday for a two day trip.
“This is President Trump's first visit outside the US, and the honor is ours that he has chosen to come to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, and – of course – to the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.
“Mr. President, we look forward to your visit. The citizens of Israel will receive you with open arms,” Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly government meeting.
“I will discuss with President Trump ways to strengthen even further the first and strongest alliance with the US. We will strengthen security ties, which are strengthening daily, and we will also discuss ways to advance peace,” Netanyahu said.
The cabinet is set to discuss steps Israel can take to help advance Trump’s plans to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that has been frozen for over three years.
In an interview with the Hebrew daily Yisrael HaYom in advance of the trip, Trump said, "I think there is a great possibility that we will make a deal. ... I love the people of Israel, I am working very hard to finally have peace for the people of Israel and the Palestinians. Hopefully that can come about much sooner than anybody has ever projected.
"There is a tremendous possibility. This is a deal that is good for all,” he said.
Trump will meet with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday and with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on Tuesday.