- 3
- 13.10.2023 09:05:00
- 3 min read
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during a visit to Israel confirmed that Washington supports Jerusalem in its confrontation with Hamas. He said this at a press conference after talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians.
"The people of Israel have long and rightly been proud of their independence, their ability to defend themselves independently, even when circumstances are against them. The message I bring to Israel is: you may be strong enough to defend yourself on your own, but as long as America exists, you will never have to do it. We will always be on your side," Blinken said, announcing military assistance to Israel.
The head of the US State Department welcomed the creation of a government of national unity and the unity of the inhabitants of Israel. He agreed with the words of Netanyahu, who compared Hamas militants to ISIS, and also warned other state or non-state forces against interfering in the conflict.
Blinken stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself, and how it does it matters. "Israel has the right, moreover, is obliged to defend itself. The way Israel does it matters. We, democratic countries, differ from terrorists in that we value human life. Therefore, it is important to take all precautions. We mourn the loss of every life," he said.
During the press conference, the Secretary of State also noted that he came to Israel not only as a representative of the United States, but also "as a Jew." He told the stories of his grandfather, who was fleeing pogroms in Russia, and his stepfather, who survived concentration camps during the Holocaust. "On a personal level, I understand the heartbreaking echo that the Hamas massacre carries to Israeli Jews, and to Jews all over the world," he added.
Blinken confirmed that Washington is working to free the hostages who were captured by Hamas, and also confirmed that at least 25 US citizens were killed during the conflict.
Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7. In response, Israel launched massive strikes on the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of the group. According to the latest data, the death toll on both sides exceeded 1300 people. Thousands more people were injured.
After the visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will go to Jordan, where he will meet with the head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas. Reuters notes that the purpose of the politician's visit to the Middle East is to prevent the spread of the conflict with Hamas militants.
