In talks with Netanyahu, Blinken backs Israel’s fight to ensure no repeat of Oct. 7, as well as a future Palestinian state

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem, February 7, 2024. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem, February 7, 2024. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

In his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken “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,” says State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

They also discussed efforts to release all the hostages in Gaza, and to increase “the amount of humanitarian assistance reaching displaced civilians throughout Gaza.”

Blinken stressed US support for a Palestinian state “as the best way to ensure lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike and greater integration for the region.”

He also stressed the “urgent need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank and prevent the conflict from expanding.”

Most Popular