“He discussed the importance of charting a new path forward in the post-conflict period that allows Palestinians to rebuild their lives and provides governance, security, and reconstruction for Gaza,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller wrote in the release.
He continued, “The Secretary and Prime Minister also discussed Lebanon and ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution along the Blue Line that includes full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and allows civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.”
The UN resolution adopted in 2006 urged Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanon and encouraged the establishment of a demilitarized zone with the goal of improving relations between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.
However, more than a decade after 15 nations signed the agreement, Israel is still working to peacefully navigate relations with Iran.
A readout from Netanyahu’s office, meanwhile, said the two spoke for 2.5 hours and that the meeting was productive.
Blinken’s trip comes after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar last week amid an Israeli military operation in Gaza.
Sinwar’s death was considered a major proponent for cease-fire negotiations, but Netanyahu has shown no sign of letting up in the days following his assassination.
During Blinken’s meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the prime minister amplified the need to “deter” further regional aggression from Iran and its proxies after Sinwar’s death.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
