Blinken Calls Israeli FM to Stress Biden’s Push Toward 2-State Solution

By: Aryeh Savir

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Monday with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in a discussion that focused on the defunct peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The two discussed “regional security challenges and the importance of continued cooperation in addressing these issues,” according to a statement by the State Department.

Blinken addressed the US approach towards “a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous future for Israelis, Palestinians, and the greater Middle East.”

He also emphasized the Biden Administration’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.”

He also noted the US’ “continuing commitment to opposing unfair, one-sided actions against Israel in the multilateral arena.”

Ashkenazi and Blinken “acknowledged the steadfast partnership” between the US and Israel, and that the two countries “would work closely together on challenges ahead.”

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on the conversation.

The Biden administration has signaled its desire to amend Washington’s relations with Ramallah after a months-long disconnection with the Trump administration.

The Biden administration has already made preliminary contacts with PA officials.

Speaking during his confirmation hearing at the Senate in January, Blinken said that while President Joe Biden remained committed to a two-state solution with the Palestinians, “realistically, it’s hard to see near-term prospects for moving forward.”

In another development, it was reported that Jerusalem police were successful in thwarting a stabbing attack in the city on Monday.

The police received a report about a suspicious person on his way to the Mizmoria checkpoint in the south of the city. Police forces searched him until he was located.

The suspect, 27, from the nearby village of Tzur Baher, who noticed the policemen searching for him threw his knife at his side of the road.

In his initial interrogation, he claimed that he wanted to harm the security forces due to the death of his mother.

The would-be terrorist was arrested and taken for questioning in the Central Unit of the Jerusalem District.

An IDF soldier was lightly injured on Sunday night by a gunshot while manning a checkpoint near the city of Modi’in.

The 19-year-old soldier was evacuated to the Tel Hashomer hospital in serious condition. Further examinations determined he was in light condition.

The IDF stated that the soldier was injured by “erroneous gunfire.”

An initial inquiry shows he may have been shot by another soldier who was playing with his weapon.

  (TPS)