Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli War Cabinet

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli War Cabinet in Tel Aviv. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and the lasting defeat of Hamas, including in Rafah. He discussed efforts to reach an agreement for a ceasefire of at least six weeks that would secure the release of hostages and enable a surge in humanitarian assistance. Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to protect civilians in Gaza and increase and sustain humanitarian assistance, including through both land and sea routes. He also briefed the War Cabinet on his consultations in Jeddah and Cairo about efforts to achieve lasting peace and security for Israel, the Palestinian people, and the broader region.