Secretary Blinken’s Call with Israeli President Herzog Readout October 31, 2023

 

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Israeli President Herzog

Readout

October 31, 2023

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:     

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke via phone today with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.   The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism consistent with international humanitarian law and emphasized the need to take feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians.  Secretary Blinken and President Herzog discussed efforts to safeguard U.S. citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza; continue working tirelessly to bring hostages home; increase urgently the pace and volume of humanitarian assistance that is entering Gaza for distribution to Palestinian civilians; and prevent the conflict from spreading.