US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken today (Sunday) in Jerusalem with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. The meeting, which is being held ahead of the Negev summit in Sde Boker tonight, focused on the situation in Ukraine and on the Iranian issue.

Following the meeting, Blinken is expected to meet with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, President Yitzhak Herzog and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. In the evening, Blinken will go out with the rest of the foreign ministers to Sde Boker for the summit.

Blinken reiterated that the United States will continue to invest in the Middle East and strengthen its relations with the countries of the region. He said of Israel that "in my meetings I will emphasize the United States' commitment to Israel's security.

On the Iranian issue, Blinken clarified that "we are eyeing the need to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. Iran with nuclear weapons will become more aggressive in the region. Returning to the nuclear deal is the best way to get the Iranian nuclear program back in the box.

But with or without agreement At the core of our commitment to deny Iran nuclear weapons will remain. The United States will continue to stand up to Iran when it threatens us or our allies. " The most sanctions - including sanctions for being a terrorist organization. "

"The last few days prove that if you want peace, you must protect it," Lapid said. "I thank the administration and Congress for the approval of the Israel Security Adviser and the approval of the Iron Dome assistance."

"Iran is not an Israeli problem," Lapid declared. "The world cannot allow nuclear Iran. Revolutionary Guards cannot be allowed to spread terrorism around the world. We have a dispute over the nuclear deal but open dialogue is part of the strength of our relationship. Israel will do whatever it takes to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons."

Photo: Ministry of Defense, Shlomi Amsalem