Israeli PM welcomes Biden visit to "Israel", Saudi Arabia

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The office of Israeli PM Naftali Bennett confirmed on Tuesday that he will host the US President during his visit to the region in July.

Bennett's office said in a statement that Biden's visit to the occupied territories will deepen the "special relations and strategic partnership that exists between the two countries, in addition to deepening the American commitment to the security and stability of Israel and the region.”

After announcing on Sunday that he will visit Saudi Arabia, Biden said that this visit is primarily to address "Israel's security issues."

He dismissed claims that his visit to Saudi Arabia will have to do with the Kingdom's oil exports, rather, the US president said it is part of a larger meeting that will take place in Saudi Arabia, "That’s the reason I’m going. And it has to do with national security for them — for Israelis," Biden told reporters.

“I have a program — anyway. It has to do with much larger issues than having to do with the energy piece,” he added.

The statement released by Bennett's office stated that within the framework of Biden's upcoming visit, "steps will be revealed that aim to enhance Israel’s integration in the Middle East and enhance the prosperity of the entire region, along with understandings on consolidating security and civil cooperation between the United States and 'Israel' in a way that will launch the existing alliance between both countries to new heights."

As for the US President's visit to Saudi Arabia, the statement said "Israel" "welcomes the President’s visit to the region, including his very important visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and his efforts to promote the common interests of countries and to expand the circle of regional peace."

Biden is expected to visit "Israel" on July 14-15, and Saudi Arabia on July 15-16. His visit to the latter will include a meeting with the Kingdom's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.