Blinken pushes for Israeli-Palestinian normalization
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has criticized Israel for its actions and opposed the expansion of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territories.
In a speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) summit on Monday, Blinken said the U.S. is committed to a two-state solution.
He also said that Washington is focused on re-engaging the Palestinian people and restoring trust.
The top U.S. diplomat told AIPAC that Israel’s settlement expansion, annexation of the West Bank, and disruption of the status quo at holy sites hurts prospects for a two-state solution.
He also raised issues such as the ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes and the displacement of families who have lived in those homes for generations.
He said that such actions harm the prospects for the two states and also undermine the basic daily dignity to which all people are entitled.
“Settlement expansion clearly presents an obstacle to the horizon of hope that we seek. Likewise, any move toward annexation of the West Bank, de facto or de jure, disruption of the historic status quo at the holy sites, the continuing demolitions of homes and the evictions of families that have lived in those homes for generations damage prospects for two states,” he said.
AIPAC is a non-partisan, pro-Israel political action committee that advocates for pro-Israel policies in the U.S. legislative and executive branches.
Blinken said the cornerstone of President Biden’s policy is deepening Israel’s relationship with its neighbors.
He said that regional integration to ensure a stable and secure region also makes Israel secure.
In this context, he said, the U.S. has a genuine national security interest in promoting normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
-Envoy for Abraham agreement
He announced that the Biden administration would soon announce a new position aimed at expanding the Abraham agreement.
According to media reports, the idea for appointing a points person to promote normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors had been in the works for several months.
The U.S. secretary of state also provided details of U.S. aid to Israel.
He said that Washington provides Israel with $3.3 billion in foreign military funding each year.
In addition, Israel receives $500 million in funding for missile defense.
Tens of millions more are provided for new technologies to defend against drones and tunnels.
In addition, the U.S. is providing another $1 billion to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
Blinken, also disclosed that his grandfather Maurice Blinken who founded the American Palestine Institute after the World War II, argued for a Jewish state. He said his report helped to convince many skeptics, including within the U.S. government.
U.S. Secretary of State also commented on the Israeli government’s attempts to limit powers of judiciary. He said the U.S. will continue to express support for core democratic principles, including separation of powers.
“We’ll continue to express our support for core democratic principles, including a separation of powers, checks and balances, and the equal administration of justice for all citizens of Israel,” he added.
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