The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated during a joint press conference in Tel Aviv with the US chief diplomat Antony Blinken that "just as ISIS was crushed, Hamas must be crushed as well."
Netanyahu first thanked Blinken for his visit, in both English and Hebrew.
"Your visit is another tangible example of America's unequivocal support for Israel," he told Blinken.
Netanyahu added that through this weekend's attack, "Hamas has shown itself to be an enemy of civilization."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the confirmed number of Americans killed has risen to 25 since Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel.
"We mourn the loss of every innocent life — civilians of every faith, every nationality — who have been killed," Blinken said. "Tragically, the number of innocent lives taken by Hamas' horrific attacks continues to rise. Among them, we now know that at least 25 American citizens were killed."
The US secretary added that more military support is on its way to Israel, on top of munitions and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome, which have already arrived in recent days.
The top US diplomat said there is "overwhelming" bipartisan support in Congress to help more.
Blinken also warned any state or non-state actors to take advantage of the current situation to attack Israel.
"Don't do it, Israel has the support of the USA", he recalled.
Netanyahu added that there is no doubt that the forces of civilization will win and the reason that is true is because we understand what the first precondition of victory is. It's what you just said in our meeting – moral clarity.
"This is a time, a special time, that all of us must stand tall, proud and united against evil. Tony, you're taking that stance, America is taking that stance," he says.
"Thank you America for standing with Israel today, tomorrow and always," he concluded, then shook hands firmly with Blinken.