US Secretary of State visits Tel Aviv as part of Middle East tour: 'Israel must not create greater escalation'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to reporters in Tel Aviv before departing for Saudi Arabia. Stating that Israel has achieved 'tactical successes' against Hamas since it launched its attacks on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Blinken said the following:

“Now is the time to turn those successes into a lasting strategic success.

There are two things left to do: bring the hostages (Israeli captives) home and end the war (Israel’s attacks on Gaza).”

Arguing that humanitarian aid to Gaza has increased, Blinken also noted that more must be done.

‘ISRAEL MUST NOT CREATE GREATER ESCALATION’

Reports in the Israeli press yesterday claimed that the US had asked Israel to 'soften' its response to Iran.

Addressing Israel's potential attack on Iran, Blinken said, “It is also very important that Israel responds in a way that does not create greater escalation.”

UNABLE TO LEAVE TEL AVIV AS SIRENS SOUNDED

Blinken, who met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, had discussed promoting a 'diplomatic solution.'

It was reported that sirens sounded in the city just as Blinken was preparing to leave Tel Aviv.

It was noted that there was a short delay in Blinken's departure from the city due to the sirens.

The Israeli military announced that the sirens in Tel Aviv and its surroundings were triggered by two long-range rockets fired from Lebanon, and that they were intercepted in the air.

Blinken departed Tel Aviv as part of his Middle East tour and headed to Saudi Arabia.

News Source: 12punto