President Isaac Herzog will present to US officials Israeli evidence of Russia's use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine, during his visit to Washington, his office said Tuesday.
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Herzog took off for the United States on Monday evening and is expected to meet President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
He is expected to show proof that fragments of unmanned aerial vehicles found on the Ukrainian battlefield were identical to those developed in Iran.
The president will present visual evidence of the Shahed-136 type drone used in Iran and also in Ukraine, the statement said.
"Once again Iran proves that it cannot be trusted and that in any area where there is killing, suffering, and hatred – Iran is there," Herzog said. "Iranian weapons play a central role in destabilizing the world, and the international community must learn the lessons - now and in the future."
Herzog's visit follows an invitation extended by Biden during his visit to Israel in July. It was intended to reinforce the strong partnership between the United States and Israel and to reflect the deep ties between the nations.
Video: Reuters
On Tuesday, he met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and is scheduled to meet other administration officials and congressional leaders from both parties as well as Jewish leaders.
In a press conference after the event, Pelosi said, "In the next few months we will observe the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. We take great pride that our president [Harry] Truman in a matter of minutes recognized the State of Israel. And since that time we've had a strong bond based on shared values."
Herzog said, "No doubt Iran is an enormous challenge and we greatly appreciate the United States' support. In the face of those who would jeopardize our security and destabilize our world, we must stand firm hand in hand. We greatly appreciate the longstanding commitment of Speaker Pelosi and leaders of both parties, and both chambers. That the United States will always stand by Israel in every situation and against every threat."
Pelosi, who had lauded the State of Israel as "the greatest achievement of the 20th century" when visiting Jerusalem earlier this year, invited Herzog to address a joint meeting of Congress as Israel prepares to celebrate the anniversary of its founding.
Video: Reuters
Blinken and Herzog discussed, among other things, the Iranian threat.
"We are standing together against the dangerous destabilizing and terrorizing actions that Iran is taking in the region and well beyond," Blinken said. "The provision of drones by Iran to Russia to enable its further aggression against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, is showing horrific results on the ground in Ukraine and it's something we are determined to stand against."
The two also discussed the Israel-Lebanon maritime deal, which Blinked lauded as one that "offers the prospect of profound economic benefits to Israel and to Lebanon alike, in terms of the resources that lie under the ocean but also as a way of making peace and stability, an enduring feature of the relationship, not conflict."
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
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