Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives for a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (Carlos Barria/Pool Photo via AP)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives for a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (Carlos Barria/Pool Photo via AP)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives for a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (Carlos Barria/Pool Photo via AP)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives for a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (Carlos Barria/Pool Photo via AP)

Secretary of State Blinken says US committed to Israel's security


Leila Gharagozlou
  • English
  • Arabic

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his first phone call to a regional counterpart on Wednesday night when he spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

He spoke to several US allies, including foreign ministers in Britain, France and Germany, to set out the Biden administration's latest foreign policy stances in a speech and an address to employees.

As he gets to work after being confirmed this week, Mr Blinken spoke to Mr Ashkenazi to "reaffirm the US government's commitment to Israel's security".

"Foreign Minister Ashkenazi and Secretary Blinken acknowledged the steadfast partnership between the United States and Israel, and that the two countries would work closely together on challenges ahead," the State Department said.

The two also discussed regional security challenges.

Mr Blinken, although focused on the Biden foreign policy agenda which is expected to move away from the Trump doctrine of America First, praised the recent progress made in the region with the Abraham Accord.

The Abraham Accord is a US-brokered agreement to normalise diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab and Muslim countries.

In the past few months, Israel reached deals with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco as part of the accord.

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Roll of honour

Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?

Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles

Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens

Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins