(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Foreign Media Adviser)
Following are Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday, 27 March 2022):
"This is a very festive day. We are hosting the 'Negev Summit' here in Israel. The foreign ministers of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco and Bahrain will arrive in Sde Boker for a meeting with Minister Lapid and Secretary of State Blinken.
“For those who have yet to notice, Israel's foreign relations are experiencing a good period. Israel is an important player on the global and regional stage. We are cultivating old ties and building new bridges.
“Last week, the meeting with President El-Sisi and the Crown Prince from the UAE was a defining moment. Our oldest peace, with Egypt, met the newest peace, that of the Abraham Accords. We are all adding more and more content – diplomatic, economic and security – to these relations, which have existed for more than a few years, in order to forge links between the moderate states in the Middle East. I am pleased to see that this will also be continuing at the meeting in Sde Boker.
“There is a player in the Middle East that is creating violence and obstacles and there is one that is pushing for cooperation, prosperity and peace.
“The Arab world understands more and more that Israel has always been on the side of peace and cooperation.
“I would like to welcome all those who are coming here. Welcome to Israel! We are very pleased and moved to welcome you here; our door is always open.
“I would like to express gratitude and appreciation to the Foreign Ministry and to Foreign Minister Lapid for both the initiative and the implementation.
“While we are discussing peace, there is a player that does not cease warmongering and lighting fires. We received another reminder of this over the weekend in the attack by the Houthis, who are managed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, against Saudi Arabia.
“The thought that this organization will be removed from the terrorist list, from the FTO, is very disturbing and not just to us. We are still hoping and working toward preventing this from happening.
“Today, the government will approve the establishment of five new communities in the Negev. This is important news for all residents of the area and is part of the process of organizing this part of the country, which has been neglected for so many years.
“Our goal is to return the state to the Negev – Zionism 2022. This is neither ex territoria, nor is it the Wild West but a place in which the State of Israel is present – in both governance and resources.
“Our highest obligation is to provide personal security for the residents of the south; we have started on this journey and we will not stop. At the same time, we are continuing to settle and develop the Negev.
“I thank Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked and Housing Minister Ze'ev Elkin for the good work.
“Thank you."