Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoOvernight Defense: Pentagon redirects pandemic funding to defense contractors | US planning for full Afghanistan withdrawal by May | Anti-Trump GOP group puts ads in military papers Overnight Defense: House Democrats unveil stopgap spending measure to GOP opposition | Bill includes .6B for new subs | Trump issues Iran sanctions after world shrugs at US action at UN Navalny calls on Russia to return clothes he was wearing when he fell ill MORE on Monday said Israel has a right to defend itself in response to questions about the shootings of Palestinian protesters near the Gaza Strip border that has left three people dead on Sunday.

“We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves,” he said at a press availability with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, according to Reuters.

In the last month, 39 Palestinians have been killed amid violent protests against the blockade of the Gaza Strip, according to The Washington Post.

Pompeo also offered muted support for the two-state solution in the Middle East, though he said that would be up to the parties and not the United States.

“With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome,” Pompeo said in Jordan after his visit to Israel.

Pompeo also urged the Palestinians to return to being politically engaged with Israel.

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However, Palestine has been unwilling to cooperate with the U.S. after Trump announced it was moving its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as the capital of their own state.

Pompeo is currently finishing up a tour the Middle East, his first tour after being confirmed as secretary of State last week.