US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to hold meetings with top Israeli officials this week as part of his multi-country visit to the Middle East. Blinken is expected to meet with Israel's Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday, following a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday evening.
Gantz, a former Israeli defense minister and a key member of the war cabinet, recently resigned from Netanyahu's government after setting a deadline for a new plan regarding the conflict in Gaza. His departure has raised concerns about potential political implications and further isolation for Israel on the global stage.
Blinken's visit to Israel is part of broader US efforts to facilitate a ceasefire agreement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Secretary of State is also scheduled to visit Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar during his regional tour.
The meetings between Blinken and Israeli officials are expected to focus on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the violence in Gaza and explore potential pathways towards a sustainable ceasefire. Gantz, who is seen as a primary political rival to Netanyahu, will likely play a crucial role in these discussions.
The international community continues to closely monitor developments in the region, with calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations for a lasting peace agreement. Blinken's engagement with Israeli leaders underscores the United States' commitment to supporting stability and security in the Middle East.
