Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Dermer

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met in Washington yesterday with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. The Secretary and Minister reviewed steps that Israel has taken to improve the dire humanitarian situation inside Gaza in response to the letter sent by the Secretary and Secretary of Defense Austin on October 13. The Minister updated the Secretary on operational changes made by the Israeli Defense Forces and COGAT, as well as policy decisions taken by the Government of Israel to address the measures included in the letter. The Secretary emphasized the importance of ensuring those changes lead to an actual improvement in the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, including through the delivery of additional assistance to civilians throughout Gaza. The Secretary further reiterated the importance that Israel take every possible step to minimize civilian harm.

The Secretary also underscored the importance of ending the war in Gaza and bringing all of the hostages home. He reiterated that charting a path forward in the post-conflict period that provides governance, security, and reconstruction is the only way to ensure lasting peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians. The Secretary and Minister further discussed ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to return safely to their homes. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and Iran-backed proxy groups.

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