A Two-State Solution is Unavoidable If Israel Wants to Obtain Security Guarantees in the Region

JAKARTA - The Israeli government must move towards a two-state solution if it wants assistance from Arab partners in the region for lasting security, said United States Minister of State Antony Blinken during a visit to Tel Aviv.

Secretary of State Blinken visited Israel again on Tuesday, amidst the ongoing war. He successively met with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, President Isaac Herzog, PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Foreign Minister Blinken emphasized that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must control right-wing tendencies in his government, to achieve any progress in the future.

"Israel must stop taking steps that undermine the ability of Palestinians to govern themselves effectively. Extremist violence against settlers carried out with impunity, settlement expansion, demolitions, evictions all make it more difficult, not easier, for Israel to achieve peace and security eternal," he said, according to Reuters, January 10.

"Israel must be a partner for Palestinian leaders who are willing to lead their people to peaceful coexistence with Israel as their neighbor," added Secretary of State Blinken.

Before going to Israel, Uncle Sam's top diplomat met with leaders in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan.

"As I told the prime minister, every partner I met on this trip said they were ready to support a long-term solution to end the long-standing cycle of violence and guarantee Israel's security," he said.

"However, they underlined that this can only be achieved through a regional approach that includes a path to a Palestinian state," explained Secretary of State Blinken.

"If Israel wants its Arab neighbors to take the difficult decisions necessary to help ensure lasting security, Israel's leaders must make the same difficult decisions," he said.