US envoy says: 1. Trump-backed Gaza aid mechanism to take effect soon, 2. denies rift with Israel
Mike Huckabee says IDF involvement in aid plan will be limited to securing aid distribution zones; stresses that many challenges remain in carrying out effort.
Huckabee described the relations as very close, also rejected the notion that: 1. Washington was “pulling away” from close ties with Jerusalem or 2. it was trying to sidestep the Israeli government
He made these comments, the day after a report claimed that the Trump administration was no longer demanding that Saudi Arabia recognize Israel as part of a nuclear pact with Riyadh.
“Under Trump, the special relationship has never been stronger,” he told reporters at the US Embassy in Jerusalem.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that Saudi Arabia and the US were on a “pathway” to a civil nuclear agreement when he visited the kingdom in April.
Two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters Thursday that ties with Israel were no longer an American prerequisite. Huckabee did not comment on the report specifically.
