Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan spoke with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi on June 23. Sullivan extended sincere condolences to the Israeli people for the June 20 terrorist attack by Hamas that killed four Israeli civilians in the West Bank. He underscored the Administration's unwavering support for Israel's security, as well as its right to defend its people against Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist groups. Sullivan also expressed deep concern over the recent extremist settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and the destruction of their property in the West Bank. He reiterated the importance of holding accountable those responsible for such acts of violence.
Sullivan encouraged additional steps to restore calm and de-escalate tensions, and called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions, including settlement activity, that further inflame tensions. Sullivan conveyed the United States' hope that the parties build on the commitments made during talks at Aqaba, Jordan and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt and reconvene soon.
Sullivan also updated Hanegbi on broader regional issues including efforts to enhance Israel's integration into the region, as well as President Biden's iron-clad commitment that Iran will never be able to obtain a nuclear weapon. They committed to stay in regular contact over the coming days and weeks.
