JERUSALEM: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Israeli and Palestinian leaders Tuesday on his Middle East tour aimed at curbing the outbreak of violence between the two sides.
Blinken met Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and said that the US is committed for the Jewish state’s security.
Gallant called the US official “a true friend of Israel”.
He said that the US and Israel are united against those threatening peace and security and expressed his appreciation of Washington’s stand in the matter.
The US official also met with some emerging leaders from Israel and members of the civil society.
He said that the civil society plays an absolutely critical role. The Secretary of State said that he was happy to hear their views on several issues.
Blinken also met with members of the Palestinian leaders and civil society.
He spoke of strengthening ties with the Palestinian Authority and the people.
He emphasized on the need for enhancing the ties , not just with the Palestinian Authority but with a cross section of the people.
He said the US government is keen to engage with “entrepreneurs, businesspeople, people who are helping to generate opportunity and a future for everyone” in Palestine.
On Monday, after landing in Israel, Blinken criticized Palestinians who celebrated the synagogue attack on Friday.
He also hit out at Israel for the violence following Friday’s attack.
“Retaliatory acts of violence against civilians are never justified,” he said.
The Israeli cabinet has given a go-ahead to punish families of terrorists who support terrorism with home demolitions.
Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power in 2022 in what has been called as the most ‘right-wing government’ in Israeli history.