Blinken in Meeting with Israeli President: Hamas's Path Leads to 'Terror and Destruction'

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, met with Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, on Thursday, October 12. According to the Associated Press, Blinken addressed the same topics in a joint statement with Herzog that he had previously mentioned in his statement with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel. In this statement, Blinken said, 'There are truly two paths before the countries of the region and in many ways the countries of the world. But here in the Middle East, one path leads to solidarity, cooperation, normalization, and the expansion of equality in justice, opportunity, and respect for all people, including Palestinians.' He added, 'The other path is the one that Hamas has shown the world in recent days: terror, destruction, nihilism; a path that leads nowhere for anyone, except to the darkest places in our souls.' Antony Blinken, who traveled to Israel, stated during his meeting with Netanyahu that while Israel may be strong enough to defend itself, the U.S. will be by its side as long as it exists. Additionally, it was reported that 22 Americans were confirmed killed in the Hamas attack. Blinken emphasized U.S. support for Israel during his meeting with Netanyahu. Sources indicate that Iranian officials were caught off guard by Hamas's attack on Israel.