Blinken stresses two-state solution to Palestinian conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stressed on the importance of the two-state solution in a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Monday.

“Great speaking with Gabi Ashkenazi today to discuss our partnership, regional challenges, and Israel’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Israel’s security,” Blinken tweeted.

Great speaking with @Gabi_Ashkenazi today to discuss our partnership, regional challenges, and Israel’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Israel’s security.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 22, 2021

Blinken emphasized U.S. President Joe Biden’s belief that “the two-state solution is the best way to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state living in peace alongside a viable and democratic Palestinian state,” said the U.S. State Department.

In the call, Blinken also noted the US commitment to “opposing unfair, one-sided actions against Israel in the multilateral arena.”

This appears to be a reference to the ICC’s ruling that it has jurisdiction to open a criminal investigation against Israeli war crimes in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.

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It was good speaking with my colleague @SecBlinken last night. We had an important discussion on ways to address regional challenges. I am as confident as ever that our alliance is the cornerstone of regional security and stability.

— גבי אשכנזי – Gabi Ashkenazi (@Gabi_Ashkenazi) February 23, 2021

Antony Blinken, who is called as a true friend of Israel, said at his Senate confirmation hearing that Biden will seek a state for the Palestinians.

“The only way to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish, democratic state and to give the Palestinians a state to which they are entitled is through the so-called two-state solution,” Blinken said.

“I think realistically, it’s hard to see near-term prospects for moving forward on that. What would be important is to make sure that neither party takes steps that make the already difficult process even more challenging,” he continued.

“I’ve been a proud supporter of a secure, democratic Jewish state of Israel my entire life,” Biden said on the campaign trail as the Democratic presidential candidate. But, he added: “My administration will urge both sides to take steps to keep the prospect of a two-state solution alive.”