A source in the Prime Minister's entourage made an interim summary early in the morning (light to Thursday) after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's first round of meetings, and expressed satisfaction that the visit was progressing according to the goals set by the bureau.
"We came with a pretty orderly aspiration of what we want to achieve. It is defined as a working visit, but it is also applied literally of the word. The visit is not only for display purposes, but to come down to meeting resolutions, as was the case with Secretary of Defense, State national".
According to the source, "the prime minister knows how to fulfill a schedule."
One of the main goals of the visit is to create a direct connection between Biden and Bennett, one that will reflect the deep connection between the United States and Israel.
The second thing, according to the same source, is the understanding among the Americans regarding the Prime Minister's strategic plan vis-à-vis Iran. See where you are going in the current situation.
We also found very great attention here.
They themselves understand that we are in a non-consensual reality, there are holes that need to be filled. "
The source reiterated that Bennett's basic position is that there is no point in going back to JCPOA, because he only deals with enrichment matters.
The prime minister's view is that lifting the sanctions will give the Iranians an economic boost and regional power that will outweigh the benefits of the enrichment restriction.
"Throughout the visit - Bennett said - that he has a new spirit approach - it's not some phrase we invented - a kind of holistic view. As he manages this whole thing that is based on a convergence of what is agreed upon, and a flood of soft disagreements."
According to the source, "We do not see eye to eye, but do not break the tools, and do not treat each other in public. This understanding, which also has derivatives about what to do, also in the Iranian sense, gives the impression that we have made great progress."
The third goal that the bureau wanted to achieve, he said, was to refill "Iron Dome" deposits following Operation Wall Guard.
"We heard today from the Ministry of Defense that it is getting along with Congress. It is very important. It is a billion dollars."
The source praised Blinken's statement regarding the American desire to promote Israel's entry into the program for granting exemptions to tourist visas. "This is something that already in some governments Israel is trying to solve, and there is a lot to do on both sides. We asked the Americans for a political directive, and today we received a directive from the Secretary of State. There really is no reason why Israel should not be. The technical problems need to be solved. There is a message from the current government to the public in Israel - it is not a connection between governments, it is a connection between the peoples. It was important for the prime minister to promote it, he brought it up in meetings. This is a very significant achievement. There are many things that need to be resolved on the way to inclusion in the exemption program. Some are based on cultural misunderstandings. "
At the same time, the source raised the possibility that there would be something beyond the directive that was on Wednesday, but refused to elaborate.
Among the options he may have been referring to is the possibility that Biden in his public meeting today with Bennett will also say something on the matter, which will change the move and possibly allow him to be significantly accelerated both in the State Department and in Congress - these two bodies are in charge of the plan.
In addition, the source stressed that Israel is not interested in intervening in providing such and such advice regarding Afghanistan.
In the Gaza issue, the source said that the Americans are following the escalation very closely.
They understand what is happening in Gaza and that the violence and provocations are on one side only.
He reiterated that Bennett believes that the policy in this context is that there must be conditions for Gaza to develop, but that intensification and violence must stop.
The Prime Minister also raised the issue of prisoners and missing persons.
Regarding the money suitcases, the source said that in the current reality, the transfer of funds to Hamas is not something that is economically worthwhile for the party that does so.
"No one with his eyes in his head will put money in a place that could catch fire. The story in Gaza is that every voice should end the violence. It is impossible to make a round every few months. Two-thirds of Qatari grants have been resolved. There will be no luggage. "More than suitcases of money. This thing needs to be required but it is a matter that will take time - the government is two months old. It is slow. Things need to mature."
In another context, the corona's working teams met, including Dr. Anthony Pauchi, Biden's special adviser on corona affairs.
Regarding the American intention to open an independent consulate under the State Department for the Palestinians in Jerusalem, the source said that it is part of the approach of a new spirit that allows for soft disagreements.
For the Americans, this is an election promise and it is important to them, the source said.
For us as Israelis, opening a representative office for a foreign entity is a contradictory matter, and we are trying to contain the disagreement, he emphasized.
The goal when it comes to Iran is that any agreement will create a situation in which Iran will always be at least a year away if it decides on a breakout time.
"At the moment, a return to the agreement does not guarantee a year, nor permanently," so, according to the source, the US intention to return to the agreement first and then discuss its extension and strengthening does not include incentives for the Iranians to cooperate, and they will not agree to an upgraded agreement.
Regarding the incident of attacking the ship "Mercer Street" he said that the reaction is still in the making.
"The story is not over, precisely because there are many moving parts in the matter. Iranian aggression must be required at sea as well."