Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Israel on Friday with an intent to discuss the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, a situation drawing global criticism due to the rising civilian casualties.
Blinken, having visited Israel twice the previous month post the lethal Hamas attack, is scheduled to engage with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials. The U.S. has been juggling its support for Israel’s defense while echoing growing public concern over civilian safety.
Upon his arrival in Tel Aviv, Blinken was accompanied by the newly appointed US Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew. Prior to leaving Washington, DC, Blinken voiced his agenda: to address the “ongoing campaign against the Hamas terrorist organization” and to underscore the vital measures required for civilian safety.
Moreover, Blinken reiterated the necessity of discussing the hostages held by Hamas and averting a broader regional confrontation.
Blinken refrained from delving into the specific measures needed to safeguard civilians. He sidestepped a direct response regarding Israel’s restraint in its actions, instead blaming Hamas for exploiting civilians as human shields.
Highlighting the emotional impact of witnessing the harrowing scene of a Palestinian child rescued from rubble, Blinken vowed to act. Confidential sources reveal that U.S. officials have alerted their Israeli counterparts about the ramifications of distressing imagery and the significance of permitting humanitarian aid.
Blinken emphasized that Arab nations have voiced stern criticism against Israel’s actions in Gaza, with countries like Jordan and Bahrain recalling their ambassadors.
He also highlighted the importance of consistent humanitarian aid and the ongoing evacuation of civilians. Civilians, inclusive of American citizens, started departing from Gaza through the Rafah Gate to Egypt this Wednesday, with ongoing departures anticipated in the subsequent days.
The U.S., after exerting significant diplomatic pressure, managed to ensure the departure of civilians and the provision of aid, though Israeli officials curbed the inflow of fuel into Gaza. Blinken is expected to discuss these concerns in his forthcoming meetings.
Blinken’s focal point for his Israeli visit is establishing conditions for lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. He has repeatedly emphasized the unsustainability of the status quo with Hamas.
Blinken, in a congressional testimony, shed light on the untenability of Israel’s management or control over Gaza and broached the idea of a revitalized Palestinian Authority taking the reins.
Blinken anticipates that discussions in Israel will concentrate on achieving a two-state solution. Yet, the ongoing strife in Gaza and escalating Israeli settler violence in the West Bank seemingly push this goal further away.
State Department spokesperson, Matt Miller, on Wednesday conveyed the U.S.’s strong concerns regarding settler violence in the West Bank, emphasizing its counterproductive nature to Israel’s long-term security and its detrimental effect on Palestinians.
