New Abraham Accords expansion announcements expected ‘very soon', says Witkoff
Speaking at the 'Israeli' Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Monday during a reception marking 'Israel's' 77th Independence Day, Witkoff said, 'Very soon, we expect to hear many announcements related to the expansion of the Abraham Accords.'
His remarks come ahead of Trump's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar scheduled for next week—countries seen as central to ongoing efforts to widen regional normalization with 'Israel'.
During his speech, Witkoff also addressed the Iran nuclear issue, declaring firmly, 'Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.' Speaking to reporters at the event, he confirmed that talks between the US and Iran had made some progress. 'I hope we're moving in the right direction,' he said. 'The President has stated his desire to resolve this issue diplomatically if possible, and we are working toward an agreement. Efforts are now underway to coordinate a fourth round of talks.'
On the matter of 'Israeli' captives still held in Gaza, Witkoff expressed cautious optimism, noting that the US remains actively engaged in negotiation efforts. 'Our celebration is bittersweet because 59 hostages are still being held by Hamas,' he said. 'I'm in close contact with mediators in Egypt and Qatar, as well as with Israel—almost daily.'
Recalling a moment during the release of female 'Israeli' soldiers, Witkoff shared a personal memory: 'I sang 'Am Yisrael Chai' with them. I thought that was the most emotional moment of my life. On behalf of President Trump, I tell you—we are working and hoping that next Independence Day will not just be a wish for joy but a joyful reality.'
He concluded by calling for national unity in 'Israel', emphasizing it as the foundation of the country's strength. 'I call on Israelis to choose unity over division, vision over discord. When that becomes the choice, Israel's future will be bright,' Witkoff said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
39 minutes ago
- Roya News
Netanyahu says he feels strong connection to 'vision of Greater Israel'
In a recent interview with 'Israeli' broadcaster i24NEWS, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he is on a "historic and spiritual mission" for the Jewish people and feels a strong connection to the "vision of Greater Israel". The interview, conducted on Tuesday, occurred as his government was preparing to expand its military operations into the remaining parts of Gaza. During the exchange, interviewer Sharon Gal, a former right-wing member of Knesset, presented Netanyahu with an amulet showing "Greater Israel". When asked if he felt a connection to the vision, Netanyahu replied, "Very much," and described his mission as one of generations. The concept of "Greater Israel" (Eretz Yisrael HaShlema) refers to the historic or desired borders of 'Israel'. While biblical definitions vary, the term is now commonly used by 'Israelis' to refer to the territory of the 'Israel' along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This ideology has been a foundational tenet of Netanyahu's Likud party, which traces its roots to Revisionist Zionism and its founder, Ze'ev Jabotinsky. Netanyahu has consistently opposed the creation of a Palestinian state, a stance he has reiterated publicly. Critics argue that his government's settlement expansion policy is the physical embodiment of the "Greater Israel" vision, creating "facts on the ground" that make a viable Palestinian state impossible. The ongoing war in Gaza is viewed by some as an accelerated attempt to implement this vision, with critics claiming the government's true goal is "maximum land, and minimum Arabs".
Roya News
3 hours ago
- Roya News
Houthis claims drone strikes on four sites in ‘Israel'
The Houthis claimed today attacks on 'Israel' using six drones, targeting what they said is four "vital" sites in Haifa, the Negev, Eilat, and Beersheba, according to a statement. Houthis spokesman said the attacks were in solidarity with the Palestinian people and in response to what he called is the 'genocide and starvation crimes' carried out by the 'Israeli' military in Gaza. The 'Israeli' military reported earlier in a statement shooting one drone off the coast of Eilat, before the sirens were activated. The fate of the five other drones is unknown, with Hebrew media speculating they may fell short before reaching the borders of 'Israel'.
Roya News
3 hours ago
- Roya News
Trolled: Paris air traffic controller broadcasts 'Free Palestine' to ‘Israeli' pilots
A French air traffic controller at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has been suspended after broadcasting 'Free Palestine' to the crew of an 'Israeli' El Al flight shortly after takeoff on Monday night. The controller, in a breach of protocol, used the airport's communication system to transmit the phrase "Free Palestine" to the pilots. Following the incident, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarrot announced that the air traffic controller responsible for the broadcast had been suspended from their position. The broadcast has been condemned by El Al as "unprofessional and inappropriate". The airline stated that any "deviation from standard procedures could lead to disaster during takeoff". International aviation protocols mandate that radio frequencies are to be used exclusively for messages necessary for air traffic control or air safety, and expressly forbid "non-operational conversations" with pilots. El Al has confirmed it is in contact with 'Israel's' Civil Aviation Authority, which is coordinating with its French counterparts to address the matter. The incident comes amid a period of heightened tensions between France and 'Israel'. In recent months, 'Israeli' interests in Paris have faced a series of challenges, including French authorities halting visa renewals for El Al security personnel, an incident where pro-Palestinian activists vandalized El Al's offices with red paint, and organizers at the Paris Air Show shutting down the 'Israeli' pavilion.
