The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer today in New York. The Secretary discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on the 21 day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border proposed by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar and a diplomatic settlement that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes. He underscored that further escalation of the conflict will only make that objective more difficult.
The Secretary also discussed ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of the hostages, alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, and set the conditions for an end to the war, and underscored that all parties must make the difficult decisions necessary to reach an agreement. He further discussed steps Israel needs to take to improve the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security.
