Blinken discussed Iran, Palestinians with Gantz and Ashkenazi

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price says Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Palestinians and Iran during his talks with Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Defense Minister Benny Gantz in Jerusalem.

He says: “They expressed their support for the ceasefire and noted their gratitude for partners, including Egypt, that helped to bring it about. They exchanged views on Iran, and the Secretary underscored the United States’ strong commitment to Israel’s security as well as to the broader US-Israel partnership.”

“The Secretary emphasized the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy,” adds Price.

Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi (R) shakes hands with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken before their meeting in Jerusalem on May 25, 2021, days after an Egypt-brokered truce halted fighting between the Jewish state and the Gaza Strip’s rulers Hamas (Alex Brandon / POOL / AFP)