US, Israeli top diplomats discuss situation in Middle East

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed recent efforts to deescalate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in a phone call on March 30 with his Israeli counterpart. 

Blinken and Eli Cohen discussed shared challenges including Iran, efforts to advance mutual interests and Israel’s further regional integration, according to the State Department, Anadolu reports.

The top US diplomat reiterated Washington’s continued commitment to a two-state solution and welcomed recent efforts to deescalate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians through meetings in Aqaba, Jordan and in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, said State Department principal deputy spokesman Vedant Patel.

Blinken also called for refraining from unilateral actions that could exacerbate tensions.