US Secretary of State Blinken spoke on Thursday with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and discussed “the need to improve Israeli-Palestinian relations in practical ways,” the State Department said in a statement.

“They also shared opinions on opportunities to deepen normalization efforts as well as on regional security issues, including Iran,” the State Department said.

Lapid and Blinken have agreed on a “no surprises” policy between them, to keep the communication lines open and to meet soon.

According to a statement from Israel’s Foreign Ministry, “the two talked at length about a wide range of strategic issues including the security and political situation in the region.”

Both statements said the two also discussed Iran and ways to further Israel’s normalization with Arab states.

Lapid, who is alternate prime minister, also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, on Friday. The two discussed the importance of the relations between the two sides on both the political and security level and have decided to stay in continues contact, cooperation and to meet soon, Israeli media reported.

Source: Israeli media