Title: Washington's Message to Israeli Government on Improving Relations with Palestine

The United States of America called on the Israeli government on Friday to improve bilateral relations with Palestine. The U.S. State Department stated that Secretary Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, discussing "the necessity of improving Israeli-Palestinian relations in practical ways." The department added, "They also exchanged views on opportunities to enhance peace efforts as well as regional security issues, including Iran." Earlier on Thursday evening, sirens sounded in Gaza border settlements, indicating a possible launch of rockets from the area. For the second time since the swift war between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza last month, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes late Thursday into Friday on Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip in response to incendiary balloons launched towards Israel.