Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman is travelling to the United States for talks Wednesday on countering Iran’s “expansion” across the Middle East, especially in Syria, his office said.
During his visit, Lieberman will meet Defense Secretary James Mattis, National Security Adviser John Bolton and members of the Senate, the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement.
ALSO READ: Israel warns of attack if Russia air defenses used in Syria
“Discussions will focus on the close security coordination between Israeli and American defense establishments against negative developments resulting from Iranian expansion in the Middle East, with an emphasis on Syria and additional mutual security concerns,” it added.
The visit comes ahead of a May 12 deadline US President Donald Trump has set to decide on the fate of a nuclear deal with Iran.
Israel Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman speaks at the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 19, 2017. (Reuters)
Nuclear deal
Trump has derided the deal as a capitulation to Tehran, saying it is no longer in the US’s interest to maintain the sanctions relief granted to Iran by his predecessor Barack Obama in return for controls on its nuclear program.
During a visit to Washington on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called jointly with Trump for a new nuclear deal with Iran.
ALSO READ: Israeli official: Assad will pay the price if Israel is attacked from Syria
Trump’s European allies have repeatedly tried to persuade him not to walk away from the 2015 deal, which gave Iran massive sanctions relief and the guarantee of a civilian nuclear program in return for curbs on programs that could be used to develop an atomic weapon.
Also Read
-
Israeli foreign minister steps down to join opposition
Avigdor Lieberman said he could not sit in the government after Netanyahu struck a series of deals with ultra-Orthodox partners Middle East -
Friends with benefits? The trial of Avigdor Lieberman
In the small courtroom 216 in Jerusalem one of the most powerful and bellicose Israeli politicians Avigdor Lieberman is fighting to prove his ... World -
Israel claims Hamas planned to kill Lieberman
Israeli arrested four Palestinians suspected of planning to assassinate Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman with an anti-tank rocket Middle East -
Foreign Minister: Israel not working for Iraqi Kurd independence
The remarks of Avigdor Lieberman appeared aimed at heading off potential confrontation with the United States, which wants to keep Iraq united Middle East
