Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Minister Gallant

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv.  Secretary Blinken stressed the need to take all possible steps to protect civilians as Israel works to ensure the attacks of October 7 are never repeated.  The Secretary and Minister Gallant reviewed the latest efforts to facilitate the safe return of all remaining hostages, increase levels of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, and prevent the conflict from expanding.  Secretary Blinken also discussed the importance of securing lasting regional peace, with Israel fully integrated within the region and the establishment of a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.