US committed to ‘giving Israel means to defend itself’: Blinken

US secretary of state’s comments follow pressure and criticism from progressive lawmakers over arms deals with Israel.

Facing an unprecedented wave of criticism and questions from United States legislators about US weapons sales to Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the Biden administration remains committed to “giving Israel the means to defend itself”. In an interview with ABC News programme This Week, Blinken said President Joe Biden has been clear in his commitment to Israel’s defence, “especially when it comes to these indiscriminate rocket attacks against civilians”. “Any country would respond to that, and we’re committed to Israel’s defence,” Blinken said on Sunday. “At the same time, any arms sale is going to be done in full consultation with Congress, we’re committed to that. And we want to make sure that that process works effectively.”