Blinken: We are committed to Israel's security, but settlement expansion is an obstacle to peace

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday pledged Washington's continued commitment to Israel's security and a two-state solution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but warned that settlement expansion would be an obstacle to peace.

In a speech to the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Washington, Blinken warned that moves toward annexing the Israeli-occupied West Bank or disrupting the status quo at the holy sites were damaging the prospects for a two-state solution, without naming the holy sites he visited.

President Joe Biden's administration has criticized Israel's right-wing government for moves it sees as increasing settlement construction and "provocative" visits by some members of the government to holy sites in Jerusalem.

"Settlement expansion is clearly an obstacle to the horizon of hope that we seek," Blinken said.

"Similarly, any move towards de facto or de jure annexation of the West Bank, the disruption of the historical status quo at the Holy Places and the continued demolition of homes and evictions of families who have lived in those homes for generations, damages the prospects for a two-state solution and undermines the dignity that all people deserve."

Confronting Iran

AIPAC's audience applauded warmly when Blinken spoke of America's long-standing commitment to Israel and said all options were on the table when it came to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The secretary of state said Washington would continue to work to help Israel integrate into the region as a means of promoting security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

Blinken indirectly referred to the controversial judicial amendment plan, which has led to mass protests in Israel over the past months.

Biden has publicly opposed the plan, which would give the Israeli government greater leverage over the appointments of judges to the country's Supreme Court.

"We will continue to express our support for fundamental democratic principles, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and justice for all citizens," Blinken said.