In a conversation with new Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Monday, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated him on his new position and reaffirmed America’s commitment to the security of Israel and the U.S.-Israel partnership.
“Blinken discussed continued U.S. efforts to advance mutual interests such as Israel’s further regional integration, including through the Negev Forum; address shared challenges, including the threat from Iran; and promote the values that have been at the heart of the bilateral relationship for decades,” said Blinken’s spokesperson in a statement.
Blinken also “emphasized the continued U.S. commitment to a two-state solution and opposition to policies that endanger its viability,” the statement said.
Lasy Thursday, the top American diplomat congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the formation of his government.
“I look forward to working with the new Israeli government to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region, and to advance the interests and values that have been at the heart of our relationship for decades,” Blinken said in a statement.
Earlier in Dec., Blinken was the keynote speaker at J Street’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., where he vowed to “gauge the [Israeli] government by its policies and procedures, rather than individual personalities.”
While the United States would adhere to the standards of the U.S.-Israel relationship established in recent decades, he added, “We will speak honestly and respectfully with our Israeli friends, as partners always should.”
