AFP, Washington

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Israel to ensure “equal” treatment of the Palestinians as the new US administration cautiously steps up efforts for a two-state solution.

In a telephone call with Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, Blinken “emphasized the administration’s belief that Israelis and Palestinians should enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity and democracy,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

The Biden admin has in recent days made clear that it believes that Israel’s control of the West Bank is “occupation.”

Blinken’s predecessor Mike Pompeo broke precedent by saying he did not consider Israeli construction on land seized in 1967 to be illegal.

Blinken has nonetheless made clear that the administration will not roll back some of Trump’s signature moves, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.