US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States opposes any permanent changes to the geographic status of the Gaza Strip.
However, he indicated a willingness to consider transitional arrangements to address the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Blinken’s remarks came during a press briefing in Abuja, Nigeria. He emphasized that if there’s a need for transitional arrangements to facilitate a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it can be explored.
Nonetheless, regarding Gaza’s permanent status, the U.S. maintains its position of rejecting any alterations to its territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously expressed disagreement with US President Joe Biden’s statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state following the Gaza conflict.
In response, Biden disclosed that he had discussed potential solutions for creating an independent Palestinian state with Netanyahu, with one option involving the formation of a civilian government.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, underlined the importance of addressing Israel’s long-term security challenges and short-term concerns, including Gaza’s reconstruction, by establishing a Palestinian state.
He noted that Israel currently has an opportunity to receive security assurances from regional countries.
Reports had indicated that the United States warned Netanyahu that ensuring Israel’s long-term security could only be achieved through the establishment of a Palestinian state.
NBC reported that Netanyahu rejected Blinken’s proposal for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia in exchange for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Miller emphasized that there is no way to address Israel’s long-term security challenges and short-term challenges like Gaza’s reconstruction without establishing a Palestinian state.
He pointed out that Israel currently has an opportunity, with regional countries willing to provide security guarantees.
Earlier reports indicated that the United States warned the Israeli Prime Minister that Israel’s long-term security could only be guaranteed by establishing a Palestinian state.
NBC reported that Netanyahu rejected US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s proposal of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia in exchange for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
