During a recent meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the United States' unwavering support for Israel's security, particularly in response to Iran's recent ballistic missile attack. The meeting, part of Blinken's visit to Israel, aimed to address the escalating tensions in the region following the Iranian attack.
The discussions between Blinken and Gallant also touched upon key issues such as the release of hostages, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance to address food insecurity and basic needs in the region. Blinken emphasized the importance of achieving lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Notably, Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently sent a letter to the Israeli government, urging immediate action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the next 30 days. Failure to do so could potentially jeopardize US military aid to Israel, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
On the topic of Lebanon, Blinken expressed US support for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict along the Blue Line, emphasizing the implementation of United Nations Security Resolution 1701. This stance underscores the US commitment to promoting stability and peace in the region.
Following his meetings in Israel, Blinken is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia before continuing his diplomatic engagements in other countries in the region. His visit comes at a critical juncture, with tensions running high and the need for diplomatic solutions more pressing than ever.