FM Ashkenazi thanked Secretary Blinken for the United State’s unequivocal support of Israel and its ongoing recognition of Israel’s right to defend its citizens. 

FM Ashkenazi noted that the US stance in support of Israel, especially recently, is appreciated both by the government and by the people of Israel.

FM Ashkenazi stressed Hamas’ responsibility for the recent escalation and the terrorist organization's threat to the security of Israel and its citizens as well as to stability of Gaza and the region.

In the context of the Palestinian arena, FM Ashkenazi and Secretary Blinken decided to set up working groups with the aim of implementing civilian projects in Judea and Samaria, while raising certain demands with the Palestinians including ceasing applications to international institutions and ending incitement.

With regard to the Gaza Strip, the ministers discussed the establishment of a series of mechanisms for the rehabilitation of the Strip within required parameters. FM Ashkenazi presented Israel's position, whereby Israel is committed to returning the prisoners and missing persons held by Hamas and that the rehabilitation of the Strip will not be possible without a common enforcement and control mechanism to prevent the strengthening of the Hamas terrorist organization.

The ministers also discussed the special and strategic bilateral relationship as well as recent developments, including regional issues, particularly the Iranian nuclear threat and Iranian activities to undermine stability in the Middle East. The two also discussed the importance of normalization agreements as a significant anchor for regional stability and the necessity of expanding the peace circle.

FM Ashkenazi: “The past year has proven that we have partners in peace in the Middle East. I see great importance in strengthening and expanding existing peace ties. I thank the American commitment to this mission and the establishment of regional security stability.”