Remarks

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: I’m delighted to see Secretary of State Pompeo, our good friend Mike. The second time, I think, in about a month. We have a lot to discuss. We’re going to discuss our – the intense cooperation between Israel and the United States, which will also deal with the questions following the decision – the American decision on Syria and how to intensify even further our intelligence and operations cooperation in Syria and elsewhere, to block Iranian aggression in the Middle East and roll it back. That’s a common aim, and I have to say that I’m also very appreciative of the support – the strong support and unequivocal support – that you and the President gave our efforts at self-defense against Syria (inaudible) just in the last few days. So we’re going to have a lot to discuss, and 10 other items (inaudible).

SECRETARY POMPEO: (Laughter.) Thanks. I’ll just add it’s great to see you again, Mr. Prime Minister. It’s wonderful. The decision the President made on Syria in no way changes anything that this administration is working on alongside Israel. The counter-ISIS campaign continues, our efforts to counter Iranian aggression continue, and our commitment to Middle East stability and the protection of Israel continues in the same way it did before that decision was made. So we have a lot to talk about today. You all have done good work in Operation Northern Shield. We understand the threat that that violation of Israeli sovereignty presents to the region and to the country – the threat from Iranian Hizballah – and we’ll work closely together to make sure that we get this right.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you.

SECRETARY POMPEO: Mr. Prime Minister, good to see you.