US Secretary of State Blinken Arrives in Israel for Crucial Talks Amid Efforts to Curb Netanyahu's Military Offensive
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds crucial talks in Israel, urging greater civilian protection and increased aid amidst the evolving Gaza conflict
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel for urgent discussions with top government officials on Tuesday, aiming to urge them to enhance civilian protection and increase the access of much-needed aid as the conflict in Gaza enters a new stage. Blinken's visit marks his fourth trip to the Middle East since the October 7 Hamas attack, with five visits to Israel during this period. His meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday, as in his previous visits.
With concerns mounting about the war in Gaza spilling into the wider region, the stakes of this latest visit are incredibly high. The Biden administration has been applying pressure on the Netanyahu government to ease its offensive and minimize harm to civilians. Despite this, the US has continued to offer unwavering support for Israel's military campaign, even as the country faces increasing international isolation. The UN has warned that millions have been displaced, tens of thousands have been killed, and the entire population of the war-torn strip is at risk of famine. US officials have publicly acknowledged that there are discrepancies between Israel's "intentions" and the "results" in terms of the devastating impact on civilians.
Blinken announced his intention to discuss with Israeli officials the next steps of their military operation in Gaza. Israeli officials have indicated a shift towards a more focused and less intense phase of the conflict. According to a senior US official, Blinken will emphasize the need for a prompt transition to this phase, which has not yet been implemented.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday, Blinken emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Blinken arrived in Israel on Monday evening after making several stops in the region to address the urgent need to prevent further escalation and to have discussions about the future of Gaza. His visit came shortly after reports that an Israeli strike in Lebanon had resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander - the second such strike this year.
"In relation to Lebanon, it is clearly not in anyone's interest - be it Israel, Lebanon, or Hezbollah - to see a escalation or an actual conflict," the senior US diplomat stated on Monday. He also mentioned that he would communicate everything he has learned on this trip to Israeli officials.
The Israeli government officials and the Biden administration have significantly different stances on the future of Gaza following the war. US officials have proposed that the Palestinian Authority (PA) take control of Gaza in a "revitalized" capacity. In November, Blinken outlined US conditions, including ensuring no forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, maintaining the current territory in Gaza, and having unified Palestinian land governance for Gaza and the West Bank.
Netanyahu has firmly opposed the idea of the PA governing Gaza. Some members of his government have even suggested resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza, a proposal that was publicly opposed by Blinken earlier this week.
"We insist that Palestinian civilians should have the opportunity to return to their homes when conditions permit. It is unacceptable to force them out of Gaza. The calls from certain Israeli ministers and lawmakers to resettle Palestinians outside of Gaza are not supported by us," he stated in Doha on Sunday.
"These remarks are reckless, provocative, and only serve to make it more challenging to establish a Gaza led by Palestinians without Hamas in power and without terrorist groups posing a threat to Israel's security," Blinken commented.
On Sunday, Blinken suggested that the UN should evaluate the necessary steps for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested this week that Palestinians should not return home until all remaining hostages are freed. This issue is expected to be discussed during the upcoming meetings, according to a senior US official.
The top US diplomat said Monday the conversations would "focus on our relentless efforts to bring back the hostages - Americans, Israelis, and others."
