Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the weekly cabinet meeting that Israel was trying to reach an understanding with the US, this ahead of the scheduled arrival of senior American officials this week."Naturally, in the context of friendly relations between allies, there isn't agreement on all points, and on several issues we are trying to reach an understanding, in order to make progress together toward our shared goals — peace, security and prosperity for the whole Middle East," Netanyahu said ahead of his Cabinet's weekly meeting.
Full remarks:
"I would like to welcome the planned arrival to Israel of a series of senior US administration officials. Tomorrow, I will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, on Tuesday with envoy George Mitchell, and on Wednesday with National Security Advisor Gen. James L. Jones, who is
arriving with a senior National Security Council, State Department and White House team, including Dennis Ross. They will also meet with ministers and senior security officials.
These important visits are being held as part of the ramified and tight network of links between Israel and the US, a network which has existed in the past and which continues to exist in the present as well. Our common interests encompass all the main areas of bilateral cooperation. I believe that such an intensive continuity in contacts with the US reflects our common denominator in the search for security stability, economic development, diplomatic progress and other strategic issues; this network of relations is important and steadfast.
Naturally, even within the fabric of friendly bilateral relations between two allies, there will not be full agreement on every point. On various issues, we are trying to reach the same under-standing so that together we may advance our common goals – peace, security and prosperity for the entire Middle East."
