Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement in response to Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Israel:

“Secretary Blinken’s travel to Israel is an important step in bolstering the ceasefire in Gaza and restarting American-Palestinian diplomacy abandoned by the previous administration.  There is no doubt that greater U.S. – Palestinian engagement will better serve the needs of the Palestinian people and benefit the security and stability of Israel. I applaud the State Department’s efforts to address humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank in accordance with precedent and all U.S. laws, as well as the work to reopen our Consulate General in Jerusalem to facilitate diplomatic engagement, manage foreign assistance, and promote public diplomacy. There is an urgent need to provide aid directly to those in need in Gaza and the West Bank, and I hope to see our funding advance and programming implemented - responsibly - in short order. Secretary Blinken noted in discussions in Jerusalem America’s commitment to Israel’s security needs. I look forward to assisting the Biden Administration with replenishment of the Iron Dome missile defense system.” 

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