McConnell speaks with Israeli prime minister

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Wednesday evening, ahead of President Biden’s meeting with the new leader.

McConnell said on Twitter that he and Bennett spoke about “shared challenges,” including global terrorism, antisemitism and the “Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement,” a Palestinian-led movement aimed at pressuring Israel on human rights issues.

“Good conversation with @IsraeliPMBennett last night. We discussed shared challenges: Global terrorism, Iran’s dangerous aspirations, anti-Semitism & BDS,” McConnell tweeted. “Reaffirmed my support for deeper strategic partnership and preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge & freedom of action.”

Good conversation with @IsraeliPM Bennett last night. We discussed shared challenges: Global terrorism, Iran’s dangerous aspirations, anti-Semitism & BDS. Reaffirmed my support for deeper strategic partnership and preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge & freedom of action.

— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) August 26, 2021

Biden is expected to hold his first face-to-face meeting with Bennett on Thursday. Biden previously spoke to Bennett over the phone in June after Bennett was sworn into office, following the ouster of longtime Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Bennett on Wednesday.

The meeting comes as the Biden administration scrambles to finish up evacuations from Afghanistan ahead of the self-imposed Aug. 31 deadline for the military withdrawal.

A senior administration official told reporters Tuesday that Afghanistan will be at the forefront of the agenda of the meeting with Bennett. The official also framed the U.S exit from Afghanistan as allowing the nation to focus on other priorities in the region.

“The end of America’s military involvement in Afghanistan frees up resources and attention and ultimately allows us to better support our partners like Israel,” the official said, adding that the administration’s strategy is focused on “pursuing a very steady course centered on achievable aims.”

Other topics of discussion at Thursday’s meeting are expected to include COVID-19 and regional security issues.