Netanyahu's Advisor on Trump Meeting: "No Gestures Were Made" | What Did She Call "Absolute Fake"?
Public Diplomacy Directorate head Tzipi Hotovely briefed reporters following the White House summit. She emphasized that Gaza reconstruction is contingent on Hamas's demilitarization, debunked rumors regarding "Har HaMachosh," and confirmed full coordination with the U.S. on the Iranian issue.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump have concluded their meeting at the White House. In a comprehensive briefing for reporters, the head of the Public Diplomacy Directorate, Tzipi Hotovely, addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip, clarified various rumors, and discussed the strategic issues at the center of the conversation.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, she clarified that there is a clear understanding of Israel's operational parameters within the "yellow line." Hotovely emphasized unequivocally that no reconstruction will begin in Gaza until full demilitarization is achieved, noting that Hamas has not yet disarmed and the process remains ongoing.
Hotovely dismissed reports that the Prime Minister arrived with gestures for Trump regarding Gaza, clarifying that Israel is not making such concessions, as this is part of the commitments within the 20-point discussion framework.
Furthermore, Hotovely labeled rumors about "Har HaMachosh" being discussed as "absolute fake news." She added that no pressure was exerted on Israel to rehabilitate Gaza or to withdraw from strategic areas in Lebanon and Syria.
The Iranian Threat and the Future of the Regime
Regarding Iran, Hotovely described the conversation as an excellent meeting, emphasizing that the leaders are at a peak moment of coordination. She noted that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains the shared supreme goal of both nations.
Addressing the future of the regime in Tehran, she noted that the primary focus is ensuring the regime does not possess nuclear weapons. Hotovely pushed back against claims that Israel is attempting to dictate policy to the White House or pushing the U.S. toward specific actions.
Security of Senior Officials and Atmosphere
In response to a question regarding increased security for the Prime Minister, Hotovely clarified that the issue was not discussed. However, she noted that the scale of threats is real, especially in an era where attempts are made on the lives of world leaders.
Hotovely stressed that the atmosphere in the room was warm, with great mutual understanding regarding goals. She added that topics such as nationalist crime in the West Bank and the status of the Palestinian Authority were not raised during the meeting.
Saudi Nuclear Program and Fighter Jets for Turkey
Regarding contacts with Saudi Arabia, Hotovely explained that the issue was raised within a general regional discussion, but the conversation did not delve into nuclear details. She noted a desire to expand the Abraham Accords without setting rigid timetables. Additionally, she clarified that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey was not discussed.
She shared that Senator Lindsey Graham's name came up during the talk; when the Prime Minister called Graham "Israel's number one friend," President Trump jokingly corrected him, stating that he himself is the number one friend.
In conclusion, Hotovely noted that additional political meetings are expected during the remaining day and a half of the Prime Minister's visit, emphasizing that cooperation with American agencies continues through ongoing intelligence channels.
