US 'concerned' over West Bank tensions, loss of lives, Blinken tells Herzog

Blinken and Herzog also spoke on shared security concerns, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Iran's drone presence in the region.

 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) meets Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Washington, DC, October 25, 2022 (photo credit: STEFANI REYNOLDS/POOL VIA REUTERS)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) meets Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Washington, DC, October 25, 2022
(photo credit: STEFANI REYNOLDS/POOL VIA REUTERS)

The United States is concerned "over current heightened tensions, violence and loss of both Israeli and Palestinian lives in the West Bank," Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli President Isaac Herzog, currently on a state visit to Washington.

In a meeting between the two, Blinken emphasized the need for "all parties to urgently de-escalate the situation," a statement read.

Herzog, Blinken discuss Iranian drones in Ukraine

The two also spoke on shared security concerns, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Iran's drone presence in the region. During his stay in the US, Herzog is expected to present US President Joe Biden with evidence that Iranian drones are being used against Ukrainian civilians as part of Russia's war in Ukraine.

The two discussed the maritime border deal struck between Israel and Lebanon, with Blinken congratulating Herzog on the US-mediated agreement. Mediator Amos Hochstein said on Sunday that a ceremony for the border deal signing will be held on Thursday, with the deal expected to easily pass in a cabinet vote earlier that day.

Finally, Blinken and Herzog also reaffirmed the strength of US-Israel ties, the statement said, adding that the two discussed "opportunities to expand and deepen Israel’s relations with Arab states," noting that the Biden administration seeks to continue the "unprecedented work" of the Negev Summit held earlier this year.

 Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the US House of Reps. with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on October 25, 2022 (credit: KOBI GIDEON/GPO)
Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the US House of Reps. with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on October 25, 2022 (credit: KOBI GIDEON/GPO)

Herzog meets Pelosi

Also on Tuesday, Herzog meets with the US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said it is a "personal and professional honor to host President Herzog."

"In the coming months, we will celebrate Israel's 75th anniversary," Pelosi told the president. "From then to this day, our strong bond is based on common values, security interests, regional stability and the prosperity of both countries."