Blinken to Netanyahu: US Will 'Always be There'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference, Thursday Oct. 12, 2023, in Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, pool)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference, Thursday Oct. 12, 2023, in Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, pool)
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Blinken to Netanyahu: US Will 'Always be There'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference, Thursday Oct. 12, 2023, in Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, pool)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference, Thursday Oct. 12, 2023, in Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, pool)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Benjamin Netanyahu he understood on a personal level 'the harrowing echoes that Hamas' massacres carry for Israeli Jews' and Washington was at Israel's side.
From a podium next to the Israeli prime minister at the military headquarters in Tel Aviv on Thursday, Blinken urged Israel to show restraint in its retaliation, in his most direct plea so far, asking that it take every possible precaution to protect civilian life.
Washington's top diplomat embarked on a multi-country Middle East tour as Israel unleashes the most powerful bombing campaign in the 75-year history of its conflict with the Palestinians, vowing to annihilate Hamas - which rules the Gaza Strip - in retribution for the militants' weekend attacks.
Blinken will also try to help secure the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas, some thought to be Americans, and advance talks with Israelis and Egyptians on providing a safe passage for Gaza civilians out of the enclave before a possible Israeli ground invasion.
At least 25 Americans were killed in the Hamas attacks, he said.
"You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself. But as long as America exists, you will never ever have to. We will always be there by your side," Blinken told Netanyahu.
He also offered an emotional, personal aside, recounting how his grandfather fled pogroms in Russia and his stepfather survived Nazi concentration camps.
"I understand on a personal level the harrowing echoes that Hamas' massacres carry for Israeli Jews, indeed, for Jews everywhere," he said.

Blinken will arrive in Qatar on Friday to discuss with its prime minister developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, ways to de-escalate it and the protection of civilians, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said.



Al-Hilal Coach: We’re Ready to Face Real Madrid Despite Limited Preparation Time

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to begin on June 15 will run until July 13. - SPA
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to begin on June 15 will run until July 13. - SPA
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Al-Hilal Coach: We’re Ready to Face Real Madrid Despite Limited Preparation Time

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to begin on June 15 will run until July 13. - SPA
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to begin on June 15 will run until July 13. - SPA

Al-Hilal’s head coach Simone Inzaghi stated that the team has prepared as thoroughly as possible despite the short time he has had in charge ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking at a press conference in Miami, Inzaghi revealed the players have completed only four training sessions before facing the formidable Real Madrid, SPA reported.

"I’ve watched several matches in the tournament, and the competition is very strong. The teams are all on equal footing," Inzaghi said. "We will strive to give our best despite the limited time we have had to prepare."

He added, "The team will do everything in its power to advance as far as possible in the tournament."

Inzaghi also praised the warm welcome the staff and players received from fans upon their arrival in Miami.