Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Blinken calls Netanyahu amid Mideast tensions
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) shakes hands with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a press conference in Jerusalem on January 30, 2023. (Debbie HIll/Pool/AFP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken phoned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today, the State Department says.
The two discussed US-Israel ties, expanding Israel’s integration into the Middle East, countering the threats posed by Iran and Israeli tensions with the Palestinians.
“The Secretary reiterated continued US support for policies that ensure freedom, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the State Department readout says, regurgitating the line used by Biden officials in just about every public statement they issue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There is no immediate readout from the Israeli side.
