In Call With Netanyahu, Blinken Reiterates Support For Two-State Solution

In call with Netanyahu, Blinken reiterates support for two-state solution

OMRI NAHMIAS

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Secretary of State reiterated US support “for a negotiated two-state solution and opposition to policies that endanger its viability,” the State Department said in a statement.

The conversation took place ahead of the expected UN Security Council vote on a resolution regarding Israeli settlements drafted by the United Arab Emirates in coordination with the Palestinians.

“The Secretary underscored the urgent need for Israelis and Palestinians to take steps that restore calm and our strong opposition to unilateral measures that would further escalate tensions.”

State Department

“The Secretary underscored the urgent need for Israelis and Palestinians to take steps that restore calm and our strong opposition to unilateral measures that would further escalate tensions,” the State Department statement reads. “The Secretary and Prime Minister also discussed broader regional challenges, including the threats posed by Iran, and the Secretary underscored our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security.”

Earlier, Blinken also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The State Department said that the two discussed efforts to improve the quality of life of the Palestinian people and enhance their security and freedom. Blinken also reaffirmed the US commitment “to a negotiated two-state solution and opposition to policies that endanger its viability.”

During the State Department briefing on Thursday, principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said that the draft resolution that would call on Israel to immediately and completely cease settlement activities is “unhelpful.”

He added that the administration “doesn’t view the UN as the most practical or useful forum for discussing this issue.”

Patel said that the US “remains focused on supporting the conditions necessary to advance the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians.” The administration’s belief, he said, was that this is “the only path to a sustainable end to the conflict, and we continue to engage with all parties on this.”

“The introduction of this resolution is unhelpful in supporting the conditions necessary to advance negotiations for a two-state solution,” said Patel. “We are aware of the introduction, and we’re coordinating closely with our partners in New York on next steps.”

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