Jake Sullivan anticipates Netanyahu will "play nice" during Washington visit
Sullivan expressed that they anticipate his speech to be notably different from what was seen in 2015.
TroibNews 
National security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed on Friday that he does not expect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to criticize the Biden administration during his upcoming address to Congress.
Speaking at the Aspen Department Forum, Sullivan mentioned that after discussing with Israeli officials Tzachi Hanegbi and Ron Dermer in Washington last week, he received a "broad preview" of Netanyahu's intended remarks.
“They said he’s intending to reinforce a set of themes and arguments that are not at odds or in contradiction to our policy, American policy,” Sullivan mentioned. “But they’re gonna keep working that speech till the very last minute, just like we do on our side.”
Although Sullivan anticipates that he will not see the speech before it is presented, he expects that Netanyahu will clearly outline his discussion points with President Biden before the address.
The last appearance of Netanyahu in Congress in 2015 was marked by his critical stance on the Obama administration’s engagement with the Iran nuclear deal, which strained relations and led to significant backlash from U.S. officials, including then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi who described it as an “insult to the intelligence of the United States.”
Recently, Netanyahu’s public disagreement with the Biden administration surfaced again following his remarks on a delayed weapons shipment from the U.S., leading to confusion among American officials, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating: “We genuinely don’t know what he is talking about.”
Nonetheless, Sullivan anticipates a more conciliatory approach in Netanyahu's upcoming speech.
“Our expectation is that his speech will be one that doesn't look like 2015,” Sullivan noted. “It looks like what it should in the circumstances of today, and that is how the U.S. and Israel are trying together to face down the terrorist threat to coordinate together on the regional challenges that both of our countries are facing.”
“Whether that happens or not, I’ll stay tuned,” he added.
Earlier in the event, Sullivan commented on the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, noting his cautious approach to expressing confidence about peace efforts in the region.
Still, Sullivan remained committed to the U.S.'s role in brokering peace, emphasizing, “We’re not going to rest until we have this thing in place, and sooner rather than later.”
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Speaking at the Aspen Department Forum, Sullivan mentioned that after discussing with Israeli officials Tzachi Hanegbi and Ron Dermer in Washington last week, he received a "broad preview" of Netanyahu's intended remarks.
“They said he’s intending to reinforce a set of themes and arguments that are not at odds or in contradiction to our policy, American policy,” Sullivan mentioned. “But they’re gonna keep working that speech till the very last minute, just like we do on our side.”
Although Sullivan anticipates that he will not see the speech before it is presented, he expects that Netanyahu will clearly outline his discussion points with President Biden before the address.
The last appearance of Netanyahu in Congress in 2015 was marked by his critical stance on the Obama administration’s engagement with the Iran nuclear deal, which strained relations and led to significant backlash from U.S. officials, including then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi who described it as an “insult to the intelligence of the United States.”
Recently, Netanyahu’s public disagreement with the Biden administration surfaced again following his remarks on a delayed weapons shipment from the U.S., leading to confusion among American officials, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating: “We genuinely don’t know what he is talking about.”
Nonetheless, Sullivan anticipates a more conciliatory approach in Netanyahu's upcoming speech.
“Our expectation is that his speech will be one that doesn't look like 2015,” Sullivan noted. “It looks like what it should in the circumstances of today, and that is how the U.S. and Israel are trying together to face down the terrorist threat to coordinate together on the regional challenges that both of our countries are facing.”
“Whether that happens or not, I’ll stay tuned,” he added.
Earlier in the event, Sullivan commented on the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, noting his cautious approach to expressing confidence about peace efforts in the region.
Still, Sullivan remained committed to the U.S.'s role in brokering peace, emphasizing, “We’re not going to rest until we have this thing in place, and sooner rather than later.”
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
