United States Vice President Joe Biden is set to make a first visit to Israel in the coming week. He will become the most senior US administration visitor to Israel since the election of President Barak Obama.

The daily Yisrael HaYom reports the visit will accomplish two things, permit the vice president to discuss sanctions against Iran and signal that despite the freeze in diplomatic talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority), the White House remains firm in its position.

The visit comes amid statements from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who stated Quartet Mideast envoy Tony Blair is working with America’s special Mideast envoy George Mitchell, enlisting the assistance of the Europeans to expedite the declaration of a Palestinian state. America remains anxious to advance a stable recognized PA government, one that will exhibit transparency and result in increased economic stability for the PA as a whole.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)