TEL AVIV, Oct 12, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed on 
a visit Thursday that the United States will "always" back Israel but said 
the Palestinians also had "legitimate aspirations" not represented by 
militant group Hamas.

"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 said during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 
as war raged between Israel and Hamas.