U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday conveyed his concern to Israeli President Isaac Herzog over the violence in the West Bank, calling for the de-escalation of tensions in the region.
«We are urging everyone to take the necessary steps to try to de-escalate this escalation of violence and to avoid actions or demonstrations that could incite it,» Blinken said, according to the State Department.
The office’s spokesman, Ned Price, has indicated that both representatives have discussed opportunities to expand and deepen Jerusalem’s relations with Arab states.
«He underscored U.S. concern about the current rise in tensions, violence and loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives in the West Bank,» Price said.
In addition, Blinken and Herzog discussed «shared security concerns,» such as the war in Ukraine or Iran’s alleged involvement in the war with the delivery of kamikaze drones to the Russian Army.
The Israeli leader assured that he had presented evidence that Tehran is providing «weapons that are being used against innocent civilians in Ukraine».
Blinken also congratulated the Israeli president on the conclusion of the agreement with Lebanon, mediated by Washington, which resolves the maritime boundary dispute between the two countries.
The meeting between the two politicians reaffirmed the «strength of the bilateral relationship», which has «75 years of solidity», said Herzog. «The US is an important player in our region, and cooperation between us underpins the success of peace in the Middle East,» the Israeli leader added in a series of messages posted on his Twitter profile.
Subsequently, Herzog has met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has emphasized that the relationship between the two countries must remain above national politics, referring to the elections taking place in both countries.
«My visit here during this politically sensitive time in both Israel and the United States is meant to underscore that our alliance is above all politics. It transcends all governments and political disagreements,» the Israeli leader said.
Herzog, on his visit to the United States, will also meet with Biden on Wednesday at noon.
