The U.S. pleased with the Israeli Defense Minister meeting the Palestinian President

TEL AVIV —Amid U.S. welcome, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz at the latter’s residence in the suburbs of Tel Aviv.

The pair discussed critical security and civil issues, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry statement.

The statement stressed that the meeting focused on the common interest in strengthening security coordination, maintaining stability and preventing terrorism and violence.

“Gantz told Abbas that he intends to continue trust-building measures in the economic and civil fields,” read the Ministry statement.

“We hope that the discussed confidence-building measures will further enhance freedom, security, and prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis,” said spokesman for the U.S. Department of State Ned Price, indicating that the U.S. is very pleased with this meeting, and

This is the first meeting between the Palestinian president with an Israeli Defense Minister inside Israel since 2010.