Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon left for the United States, where he will be meeting with senior officials from the American administration, members of Congress and leaders of the Jewish community where the subjects of Iran, renewing talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority) and Israel-US relations will be discussed.

Among others, the Deputy Foreign Minister will meet with Deputy Secretary of State Jim Steinberg, White House’s senior Middle East adviser Dennis Ross, US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice and senior members of the Congress and Senate.

During his meetings, the Deputy Foreign Minister will discuss the need for strong sanctions against Iran. He will also express Israel’s desire to renew direct negotiations with the Palestinians without preconditions. Ayalon will also express Israel’s concern with attempts to internationalize the conflict and will caution against any attempts to impose a solution on the parties.

The Deputy Foreign Minister will also hold briefings with the American media on Israel-US relations, negotiations with the Palestinians and the Iranian threat.

For his meetings in New York, Ayalon will be joined by the Chairman of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in the Knesset, David Rotem. They will meet with senior members of the American Jewish community and the Jewish media to discuss the proposed Conversion Law and relations between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.

(GPO – Government Press Office)