US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to travel to Israel on Friday, according to an Israeli official. Blinken's visit to Israel is of significant importance as US and Israeli officials are set to engage in discussions regarding potential alternatives to a ground invasion of Gaza's southern city of Rafah next week, as confirmed by the White House.
During a recent press briefing, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan revealed that President Biden had urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to dispatch a team to Washington. The purpose of this meeting is to address US concerns regarding Israel's current planning for Rafah and to propose an alternative strategy that would target key Hamas elements in Rafah while also securing the Egypt-Gaza border, all without necessitating a major ground invasion.
However, a statement released by Israeli officials on Tuesday indicated that Prime Minister Netanyahu remains resolute in his decision to take action in Rafah. The objective is to eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions while simultaneously providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the region.
Furthermore, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to host Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon next week, as confirmed by a defense official. This meeting follows an invitation extended by Austin for an official visit and is distinct from the previously announced meeting following the conversation between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
