Mike Pompeo praises Israel over COVID-19 cooperation, calls Netanyahu 'great partner'

As United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Israel on a one-day visit, he praised Israeli authorities for sharing information during global efforts to combat deadly coronavirus pandemic. While taking a swipe at China’s lack of transparency, Pompeo told Israeli Prime Minister that he is a ‘great partner’ as he shared information - ‘unlike some or countries that try to obfuscate and hide information’. 

US President Donald Trump and Pompeo have been engd in a war of words with China, where deadly virus first emerged. US leaders have been saying that Beijing failed to inform world fast eugh about dangers it imposed and muzzled those who raised alarm. While Pompeo did t name China or give any specific examples of Israeli cooperation, he did say that he had a ‘fruitful discussion’ on ways Israel and US can work toger to address shared challenges. 

READ: Pompeo Meets Netanyahu, Annexation Talks Expected

According to an international media report, one of key items on nda for Pompeo’s visit was also to discuss Israel’s states' intention to annex parts of West Bank. two leaders also reportedly discussed efforts to keep Iran from obtains nuclear weapons, Trump administration’s Mideast plan and efforts to combat coronavirus. 

While main nda was proposed declaration of Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements and strategic Jordan Valley in occupied West Bank, Pompeo reportedly said that re is still work to do and authorities till need to make progress. However, Pompeo even added that he is still ‘looking forward’ to future talks. 

READ: Despite Virus, Pompeo In Israel To Talk West Bank Annexation

Middle East Vision

Middle East plan would let Israel annex Jewish settlements in West Bank and exert sovereignty all way to Jordan. However, both Hamas and Palestinian Authority have rejected Trump's plan. Palestinians were offered limited self-rule in Gaza, parts of West Bank, and some sparsely populated areas of Israel in return for meeting a long list of conditions. 

Hamas has vowed that ‘all options are open’ in its response to proposal, but is t believed to be seeking war with Israel. Meanwhile, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan deunced Israeli-Palestinian peace truce in January and called it 'completely unacceptable'. 

(Im: @SecPompeo/Twitter) 

READ: US' Mike Pompeo Condemns 'heius' Twin Attacks In Afghanistan

READ: US Congressmen Urge Secy Pompeo To Facilitate Relocation Of Mirities From Afghanistan