Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Israel's Netanyahu Says Deal with Sudan Start of 'New Era' Reuters TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Friday that Israel was taking steps to normalize ties with Sudan, calling it the start of "a new era" in the region. In a statement in which he thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for brokering the deal, Netanyahu also said that Israeli and Sudanese delegations would meet soon to discuss commercial and agricultural cooperation. .