New FM Ashkenazi: “Trump ME plan is historic opportunity”

In his first comments as foreign minister, Gaby Ashkenazi said on Monday that US President Donald Trump’s peace plan was “an historic opportunity to shape the future of the State of Israel for decades to come.” Speaking at the Foreign Ministry’s welcoming ceremony, Ashkenazi said that the Trump plan would be pushed forward “responsibly in coordination with the US while safeguarding peace agreements and Israel’s strategic interests.” The new foreign minister added that improving ties with Jordan and Egypt was extremely important. “they are the most important allies in dealing with challenges in the region,” he said. Ashkenazi, a former IDF chief of staff, is serving in his first post in civilian government.