Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, where both leaders discussed the ongoing situation and the military aid needed for further operations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while addressing a joint press conference with Netanyahu, affirmed America's support to the war-torn nation and warned Israel that it must protect Palestinian civilian lives as it retaliates against the Gaza-based terror group.
"...The message that I bring to Israel is this - you may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself but as long as America exists, you will never ever have to. We will always be there by your side..."
At the start of the expanded meeting, Netanyahu thanked the Secretary of State for his statement: 'We are here; we are not going anywhere'. The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the victims of the terrorist attacks against Israel and condemned those attacks in the strongest terms. The Secretary also reaffirmed the United States’ solidarity with the government and people of Israel.
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During the meeting, Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Eli Cohen, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, the Director of the National Security Council, the Prime Minister's Military Secretary, the Israeli Ambassador to the US and the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Adviser were present.
US sends military aircraft, warships to Israel
As per the earlier statement released by the US State Department, the leaders will also discuss measures to bolster Israel’s security and underscore the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
It is worth mentioning US President Joe Biden, who spoke to Netanyahu for the fourth time since the conflict escalated, assured full military support to the war-ravaged nation. Subsequently, the White House said US began moving warships and aircraft to the region to be ready to provide Israel with whatever it needs to respond.
A second US carrier strike group departs from Norfolk, Virginia, on Friday. Scores of aircraft are heading to US military bases around the Middle East. And special operations forces are now assisting Israel’s military in planning and intelligence.
