Saudi Gazette report

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by telephone on Wednesday, Ned Price, the spokesman of the US Department of State said in a statement.

During the call, Blinken expressed his concerns over the barrage of rocket attacks on Israel, expressing the US support for the right of the Jewish nation to defend itself.

The US secretary of state and the Israeli prime minister discussed the ongoing violence in Jerusalem.

Blinked reiterated his call on all parties to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence.

“The Secretary emphasized the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy,” the statement read.

“Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the steadfast partnership between the United States and Israel and committed to working together on challenges ahead,” the statement added.