The Department of State held a press briefing on July 17, 2025, addressing various international issues and U.S. foreign policy. The meeting began with a discussion on the ongoing challenges posed by ISIS, with officials reflecting on past experiences and expressing optimism about future efforts to combat the group. They noted that while there are significant challenges ahead, historical precedents suggest that solutions are achievable.

The conversation then shifted to U.S.-Israel relations, particularly regarding recent military actions in Gaza and Syria. A reporter inquired about the U.S. stance on Israeli strikes, referencing a phone call between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The spokesperson clarified that they were not privy to the details of the call but emphasized the U.S. position of urging investigations into specific incidents, including the death of Palestinian American Saif Musalat.

Tensions arose when the discussion turned to Ambassador Huckabee's comments on the Israeli judicial system, which he criticized while simultaneously calling for investigations into Palestinian deaths. The spokesperson refrained from commenting on the ambassador's remarks, focusing instead on the State Department's official stance and actions regarding these sensitive issues.

The briefing concluded with a transition to other topics, indicating a broad agenda that included various international matters. Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and the ongoing commitment to addressing both security threats and humanitarian concerns.