Blinken gives remarks amid trip to Israel: Watch live

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak with reporters Wednesday following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It’s the top U.S. diplomat’s fifth Middle East visit since the Hamas attacks against Israel on Oct. 7 triggered a war.

Blinken has reiterated the longstanding U.S. support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. But several other more immediate issues must be addressed, the Biden administration has made clear, including the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Hamas has issued a proposal for hostage and prisoner exchange that President Biden has characterized as unrealistic.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s prosecution of the war in Gaza is continuing to draw intense criticism both within Israel and in the United States.

The briefing is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. EST.

Watch the live video above.