Restoring calm is our immediate task,” Blinken said during a press conference addressing tensions between Israel and Palestine. “But over the longer term, we have to do more than just lower tensions.”

The secretary also reiterated the United State’s support of Israel but said the “only way” to peace meant that the “[t[he United States will continue to oppose anything that puts that goal further out of reach,” likely referring to Israel’s construction in the West Bank, according to The Post.

In addition, Blinken reportedly asked Netanyahu to cease construction in Gaza, and or Samaria and Judea as Israelis often call the area, according to Reuters, but noted that the request was not a “formal demand” from the state department. The department also told the Palestinian Authority during the secretary’s trip that the U.S. wanted the PA to reintroduce “security coordination” with Israel and to stop pushing for action against Israel in the United Nations, according to Axios.