Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, arrived in Israel on Friday for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst global efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict. This marks Blinken’s sixth urgent trip to the region since the onset of the war. His agenda included a meeting with Netanyahu, whose government has expressed intentions for a potential ground offensive in Rafah, a town in southern Gaza, citing the presence of Hamas militants there.
The US has already urged Israel not to attack Rafah, describing it as a “grave mistake.” The threat prompted international alarm after a deadly Israeli raid on Al-Shifa hospital, a massive complex crowded with patients and refugees, and amid growing concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Blinken’s visit to Jerusalem was expected to focus on the next step in indirect talks aimed at a lasting ceasefire, which resumed in Qatar this week after weeks of stalled negotiations. Sources close to the talks say progress is being made, but gaps remain over the terms of a permanent deal for Gaza’s 1.5 million residents.
In the Security Council, Washington announced it would submit for a vote on Friday its draft noting the need for an “immediate” ceasefire that could allow in more aid. It comes after the United States repeatedly used its veto power to block earlier ceasefire resolutions. The latest US proposal echoes language in previous resolutions supported by the Council’s Middle East quartet and the ten elected members of the Council, known as E10.
While the E10 draft is likely to pass, some member states may object, saying the current phrasing merely notes the imperative for a ceasefire and does not directly demand one. Ecuador’s delegate, for example, noted that other drafts that have passed – including some the United States has vetoed – have directly called for a truce.
During his stop in Israel, Blinken will meet with Netanyahu to urge him to avoid making a mistake that could escalate the fighting. Blinken will also discuss alternatives with senior officials in Israel’s military and security establishment. He has invited Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and a separate delegation of Israel’s civilian leadership to Washington for talks next week.
