Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli President Herzog 01/30/2023 07:59 PM EST

 Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli President Herzog

01/30/2023 07:59 PM EST

Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem. The Secretary and the President reaffirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.-Israel bilateral relationship, which has long been based on shared democratic values. The Secretary reiterated his condemnation of the terrorist attacks Israel has suffered in recent days. They also discussed regional concerns, including Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They consulted on efforts to deepen and expand regional integration, including the recent Negev Forum Working Group meetings in Abu Dhabi. The Secretary raised concern over the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank and the need to take steps to de-escalate the situation.  The Secretary reiterated that Israelis and Palestinians deserve to have equal measures of security, prosperity, and freedom.