US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has departed for a two-day trip to Israel and Jordan to meet with senior leaders in both nations.
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken's trip was a solidarity visit following a Hamas attack that killed over 1,000 Israelis, as per Reuters.
"The Secretary will reiterate his condolences for the victims of the terrorist attacks against Israel and condemn those attacks in the strongest terms," he said in a statement dated Tuesday (October 10).
"The Secretary will also reaffirm the United States' solidarity with the government and people of Israel. He will also discuss measures to bolster Israel's security and underscore the United States' unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself."
Prior to his departure, Blinken reiterated the Biden administration's support for Israel.
"As I head to Israel, I will be working to ensure they are equipped to defend themselves and making sure any hostile parties know they must not seek to take advantage of the situation," he said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
In the days ahead, we will continue to stand with our Israeli partners. As I head to Israel, I will be working to ensure they are equipped to defend themselves and making sure any hostile parties know they must not seek to take advantage of the situation. pic.twitter.com/kwchxyggnO
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 11, 2023
Blinken's Trip a Gesture of Support
Miller added in a briefing that Blinken's trip was "a message of solidarity and support."
"He, of course, wants to hear from the leaders of Israel, hear from them directly about the situation they're facing ... about what they need and how we can best support them," Miller added.
Earlier, the State Department announced that the American death toll on Hamas's attack has been updated to at least 22, up from yesterday's tally of 14.
"At this time, we can confirm the deaths of at least 22 US citizens," the State Department said in an earlier statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected."
