Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid spoke early Friday afternoon with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the first direct call between an Israeli prime minister and the PA chief in several years.
The phone conversation was part of a round of calls Lapid is making to offer Muslim leaders his best wishes ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday beginning on Saturday.
The calls also offer a chance for the prime minister to discuss with regional leaders US President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Israel next week.
Lapid and Abbas spoke about “the continuation of cooperation, and the need to ensure quiet and calm,” according to Lapid’s office.
Also Friday, President Isaac Herzog spoke with Abbas to offer him and the Palestinian people a happy Eid al-Adha, and to discuss Biden’s visit.
Abbas also met Thursday night with Defense Minister Benny Gantz in Ramallah to discuss security coordination ahead of Biden’s trip. According to Gantz’s office, the meeting “was conducted on positive terms,” and they “agreed to continue security coordination and to avoid unilateral measures.”
