19 Feb 2023, 01:47

Blinken discusses with Netanyahu ‘threats coming from Iran’ – State Department

The US Secretary of State stressed that Israelis and Palestinians "need to take steps to restore calm"

WASHINGTON, February 19. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Middle East conflict and ‘threats posed by Iran’ in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a written statement following the conversation.

"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," Price pointed out.

He pointed out that the US top diplomat "reiterated our [this of the US] support for a negotiated two-state solution [to the Middle East conflict] and opposition to policies that endanger its viability of that principle. "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 statement said.

Blinken also discussed the resolution of the conflict with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas over telephone on Saturday.

Israeli authorities decided on Monday following a meeting of key government ministers to legalize nine settlement outposts in the West Bank in response to a series of terrorist attacks in East Jerusalem. It was decided to convene a meeting of the specialized planning commission in the coming days to approve permits for additional housing in the West Bank settlements. The police and border guards in Jerusalem will be reinforced and counter-terrorist operations will be expanded.

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United States Palestine Israel Antony Blinken

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