US will always 'back' Israel, says Secretary of State Blinken to PM Netanyahu on solidarity visit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a solidarity visit to Tel Aviv on Thursday (Oct 12), said that his country will "always" back Israel. He is the most senior US official to visit Israel since a Hamas terror attack on Saturday (Oct 7) that killed nearly 1,300 mostly civilian Israelis led to a sudden war between the two sides.

Blinken, however, added that the Palestinians also have "legitimate aspirations" which do not get represented by Hamas.

"You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself. But as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side" said Blinken, during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Blinken's trip came even as Israel's Army continued pounding Hamas after their brutal attack over the weekend. Blinken further confirmed the new death toll for Americans in that attack, stating that at least 25 US citizens were among those killed.

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Earlier, US President Joe Biden extended his unwavering support towards Israel and did not appeal for restraint against Hamas

However, Blinken emphasised the need for a peace settlement between the two - an idea that has been resisted by right-wing Netanyahu for long.

"Anyone who wants peace and justice must condemn Hamas' reign of terror. We know Hamas doesn't represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice opportunity and dignity," Blinken stated.

I come before you also as a Jew: Blinken

Talking about his family background, Blinken, who is Jewish, remembered how his grandfather had to flee from anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia and that his stepfather was able to survive Nazi concentration camps.

"I come before you not only as the United States secretary of state but also as a Jew," stated Blinken.

"I also come before you as a husband and father of young children. It's impossible for me to look at the photos of families killed, such as the mother, father and three small children murdered as they sheltered in their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and not think of my own children," he added.

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Blinken further promised that the Congress and the Biden administration would work together to meet Israel's military requests.

"As Israel's defence needs evolve, we will work with Congress to make sure that they're met," he stated.

Speaking in a press conference with Blinken, Netanyahu voiced appreciation for the support extended by the US and stated that Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, needs to be treated like the Islamic State group.

"Just as ISIS was crushed, so too will Hamas be crushed. And Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated," Netanyahu stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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