United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to discuss a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and avoiding further escalation in Lebanon, the State Department said. Blinken reiterated the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security, before discussing ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages, emphasizing the need to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza and plan for “post-conflict governance, security, and reconstruction.” Blinken also underscored the importance of avoiding further escalation in Lebanon and reaching a diplomatic solution.