Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York on September 26, 2024. The meeting focused on the importance of reaching an agreement on a proposed 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. This proposal is backed by several countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar.
"The Secretary discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on the 21 day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border," stated Spokesperson Matthew Miller. Blinken emphasized that further escalation would hinder achieving this objective.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken addressed ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza aimed at securing hostages' release and alleviating Palestinian suffering. He highlighted that all parties must make challenging decisions to reach an agreement. "He underscored that all parties must make the difficult decisions necessary to reach an agreement," Miller added.
Blinken also discussed measures Israel needs to implement to improve humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security.
