U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro speaks at the Israel Bar Association in Eilat. Photo: Twitter Screenshot

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said on Monday that the U.S. is seeking to “work with the new Israeli government” to make progress toward a two-state solution.

Speaking at a conference of the Israel Bar Association in Eilat, Shapiro called on the new Israeli government to return to peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority based on the two-state solution, according to Israeli Army Radio.

Although peace negotiations with the Palestinians appear far from resumption, they are critical for Israel’s future, he said.

Shapiro also said the U.S. was ready to explore ways to strengthen security cooperation, including measures to counter Iranian regional influence.

He said that while disagreements exist between the U.S. and Israel about tactics, the ultimate goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb was the same.

Additionally, he said the U.S. would continue to combat international efforts to delegitimize Israel.

Last week, Shapiro said the U.S. has urged other governments to hold perpetrators of antisemitic attacks accountable for their crimes.