The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ support for Israel’s right to ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 are never repeated and stressed the importance of taking all possible steps to protect civilians in Gaza. The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed the latest efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages and the importance of increasing the amount of humanitarian assistance reaching displaced civilians throughout Gaza.
The Secretary discussed the United States’ vision for durable peace and security in the region. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for the establishment of a Palestinian state as the best way to ensure lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike and greater integration for the region. The Secretary also stressed the urgent need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank and prevent the conflict from expanding.
