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Netanyahu cancels visit to NATO summit in London, citing ‘logistical problems’

Officials alluded to the fact that heads of states who will be at the 70th summit were given short notice.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press statement at the Knesset on Sept. 15, 2019, a few days before the Israeli elections. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press statement at the Knesset on Sept. 15, 2019, a few days before the Israeli elections. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned trip to the annual NATO summit in London, despite being scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the event, which begins on Tuesday, to discuss the Iranian threat.

Haaretz first reported this development on Monday, citing “officials involved in the planning of Netanyahu’s visit” who said that the trip was nixed over “logistical problems.” They also alluded to the fact that heads of states who will be at the 70th summit were given short notice.

The outlet reported that officials said that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have not yet responded to requests from Netanyahu’s team for meetings on the event’s sidelines.

Netanyahu is now seeking to arrange a meeting with Pompeo later this week in Portugal, where the U.S. top diplomat will be after visiting Morocco as part of an effort to normalize relations with Israel.

The initiation of the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran has precipitated a fundamental refocusing of regional priorities. This unprecedented military undertaking has forcefully shifted the geopolitical center of gravity toward the Persian Gulf, rapidly relegating the Gaza Strip to a secondary theater of operations.
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“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.”
“We are determined to continue striking our enemies on all fronts,” added the Israeli premier.
The Islamic Republic must open the Strait of Hormuz completely, “without threat,” or the United States will begin targeting its power plants, said the president.
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