Antony Blinken

And that motivates me as well every single day to try to find a better way forward. Now, Israel is operating in a unique environment, which doesn't absolve it of its responsibilities, but- They met those responsibilities. And when it comes, for example, to the provision of humanitarian assistance, we've found periods of time where, no, we didn't think they were doing enough.

And this is exactly why, most recently with Secretary Austin, we pressed them very hard to take actions that would ensure that more assistance got to people.

And this is exactly why, most recently with Secretary Austin, we pressed them very hard to take actions that would ensure that more assistance got to people.

There's a big difference between intent and result, whether it's under the law or under anyone's standard. the results that we were seeing were grossly insufficient. That is, the results in getting people the assistance they needed. Just as making sure that people are protected, I think, has been insufficient. There's a very different question about what was the intent.

There's a big difference between intent and result, whether it's under the law or under anyone's standard. the results that we were seeing were grossly insufficient. That is, the results in getting people the assistance they needed. Just as making sure that people are protected, I think, has been insufficient. There's a very different question about what was the intent.

As I said from day one, first of all, we have been and we remain fundamentally committed to Israel's defense. And unfortunately... It faces adversaries and enemies from all directions.

As I said from day one, first of all, we have been and we remain fundamentally committed to Israel's defense. And unfortunately... It faces adversaries and enemies from all directions.

And that means that the support that the United States provides over many administrations, Republican and Democrat, over many years, that support is absolutely vital to making sure that Israel is able to defend itself, that it can deter aggression coming from many other quarters, whether it's Hezbollah, whether it's Iran, whether it's the many Iranian-backed proxies, whether it's the Houthis, you name it.

And that means that the support that the United States provides over many administrations, Republican and Democrat, over many years, that support is absolutely vital to making sure that Israel is able to defend itself, that it can deter aggression coming from many other quarters, whether it's Hezbollah, whether it's Iran, whether it's the many Iranian-backed proxies, whether it's the Houthis, you name it.

That support is vital to making sure Israel has a deterrent, has an adequate defense. And in turn, that means that we're not going to have an even broader, wider conflict that results in more death and more destruction. And so it's been vital to maintain that.

That support is vital to making sure Israel has a deterrent, has an adequate defense. And in turn, that means that we're not going to have an even broader, wider conflict that results in more death and more destruction. And so it's been vital to maintain that.

We believed and continue to believe that the quickest way, the most effective way to have an enduring end to Gaza is through an agreement on a ceasefire that brings the hostages home. The two biggest impediments to getting that over the finish line, and we've been so close on several occasions, and as we speak today, we're also very close.

We believed and continue to believe that the quickest way, the most effective way to have an enduring end to Gaza is through an agreement on a ceasefire that brings the hostages home. The two biggest impediments to getting that over the finish line, and we've been so close on several occasions, and as we speak today, we're also very close.

There've been two major impediments, and they both go to what drives Hamas. One has been whenever there has been public daylight between the United States and Israel and the perception that pressure was growing on Israel, we've seen it. Hamas has pulled back from agreeing to a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

There've been two major impediments, and they both go to what drives Hamas. One has been whenever there has been public daylight between the United States and Israel and the perception that pressure was growing on Israel, we've seen it. Hamas has pulled back from agreeing to a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

And so there are times when what we say in private to Israel, where we have a disagreement, is one thing, and what we're doing or saying in public may be another. But that's in no small measure, because with this daylight, the prospects of getting the hostage and ceasefire deal over the finish line become more distant.

And so there are times when what we say in private to Israel, where we have a disagreement, is one thing, and what we're doing or saying in public may be another. But that's in no small measure, because with this daylight, the prospects of getting the hostage and ceasefire deal over the finish line become more distant.

Israel's prime minister— They went into Rafah in a very different way than they were planning to.

Israel's prime minister— They went into Rafah in a very different way than they were planning to.

No, I disagree with that. And again, I— mentioned how we've gone at humanitarian assistance from day one, and that's been a perennial and ongoing effort throughout this time. When it comes to Rafah, we had deep concerns about a direct attack and the use of the 2,000-pound munitions in densely populated areas.