U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday to push for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to reports from a journalist accompanying him. The visit comes just days after Israeli forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, adding a new layer of complexity to the situation.
Blinken’s regional tour, which starts just two weeks before U.S. elections, includes a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after which he will travel to Jordan and other destinations, according to U.S. officials.
President Joe Biden has expressed cautious optimism about an opportunity to end the ongoing Gaza conflict, especially after the death of Sinwar, whom U.S. officials considered an obstacle to negotiations. However, American officials have tempered expectations, noting that a ceasefire announcement is unlikely during Blinken’s trip, especially as Hamas has yet to appoint a new leader.
A senior U.S. official mentioned that Blinken will also discuss Israel’s planned retaliation against Iran, following a missile attack on Israel on October 1. The U.S. has deployed a THAAD missile defense system to Israel and expects a response, although it hopes Israel’s actions won’t escalate the broader regional conflict.
In addition to Iran, Blinken’s agenda includes Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which now targets financial institutions linked to the Iran-backed group. While the U.S. has not pushed for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, it has expressed a desire for a diplomatic solution that minimizes harm to civilians.
The U.S. continues to provide Israel with substantial military aid, a policy expected to remain unchanged regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections. However, Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently warned Israel that some aid could be withheld unless there is an improvement in the flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where the U.N. has described conditions as dire.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has criticized President Biden’s approach, accusing him of encouraging Israel to show restraint.
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