US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on his eleventh visit to the region since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, as Washington hopes to revive the ceasefire agreement after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Blinken also met with other officials, including President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Blinken is scheduled to visit a number of Arab countries, likely to include Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Blinken’s tour comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s tours to the region in recent days to try to build support before the threatened Israeli retaliatory strike, as Israeli circles say.
Blinken’s talks are likely to also focus on Lebanon, where Israel has expanded its attacks on the Lebanese faction movement, and Israel has pledged to push the Lebanese factions away from the border and allow tens of thousands of residents to return to their homes in northern Israel, as Tel Aviv says.
It should be noted that Blinken’s visit also comes against the backdrop of embarrassment in Washington after the leak of secret Pentagon documents that deal with intelligence information about Israeli preparations for the attack. The United States has apologized to Israel for the leak, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.
Yedioth Ahronoth pointed out that the Israeli government that met a few days ago did not discuss at all the issue of the attack on Iran, and did not allow Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant to make decisions in this regard at the present time. The reason for this, according to estimates, is that the fundamental approval will not take place in a discussion that will be determined in advance, but rather will take place at the last minute, as happened in the Houthi attack, or in the approval. Nasrallah was eliminated over the phone.
Source: Yedioth Ahronoth, Times of Israel
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Interview with Middle East Expert Dr. Sarah Alavi on the Recent Meeting Between Anthony Blinken and Benjamin Netanyahu
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Alavi. As we know, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This marks Blinken’s eleventh visit to the region since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated. What are the key takeaways from this meeting?
Dr. Alavi: Thank you for having me. This meeting is particularly significant as it reflects the urgency with which the US is approaching the situation. Blinken’s repeated visits underline the Biden administration’s commitment to mitigating the violence and seeking pathways to a ceasefire. The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has undoubtedly added to the tension, and the US is trying to navigate these complexities to encourage a de-escalation.
Interviewer: In light of Sinwar’s death, what challenges do you think the US faces in reviving the ceasefire agreement?
Dr. Alavi: The death of a high-profile figure like Sinwar creates a vacuum but also serves to intensify retaliatory actions from Hamas, which complicates ceasefire discussions. The US must balance supporting Israel’s security while also addressing Palestinian concerns. The historical distrust and heightened emotions on both sides make the situation delicate.
Interviewer: Blinken met with other officials during his visit as well. How important is this multi-level diplomatic approach?
Dr. Alavi: Engaging with a range of officials is crucial for a holistic understanding of the regional dynamics. By meeting not just with Netanyahu but also other stakeholders, including Palestinian leaders and regional allies, the US can gather diverse perspectives and foster a comprehensive dialogue. This approach strengthens diplomatic ties and paves the way for more lasting solutions.
Interviewer: What is the broader significance of this ongoing diplomatic engagement for the US and the Middle East?
Dr. Alavi: The US has a vested interest in stability in the Middle East, both for humanitarian reasons and to maintain its strategic partnerships. Continuous engagement signals to both Israel and the Palestinians that a long-term peace solution is still on the table. It also sets a precedent for future involvement in conflict resolution, reaffirming the US role as a key player in the region.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Alavi, for your insights on this critical issue. We will continue to follow these developments closely.
Dr. Alavi: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep conversations going as the situation evolves.
Besides Netanyahu, including President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. How important are these meetings with different Israeli leaders in the context of US-Israel relations?
Dr. Alavi: These meetings are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a broader spectrum of perspectives from Israeli leadership, which is essential for understanding the diverse opinions within Israel about the ongoing conflict. Herzog, being a more moderate figure, might present a different narrative compared to the security-focused approach of Gallant. The US aims to foster a cohesive strategy among Israeli leaders, especially given the complexities arising from the current situation in Gaza and Lebanon.
Interviewer: We understand that Blinken is scheduled to visit several Arab countries next. What role do these nations play in the current dynamics of the conflict?
Dr. Alavi: The Arab nations in the region, particularly Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, hold significant influence in mediating tensions between Israel and Hamas. Blinken’s interactions with these leaders are vital, as they can provide insights into the broader Arab perspective and possible avenues for regional cooperation. Additionally, their support or opposition can heavily impact any peace initiatives or ceasefire agreements. The US is keen on involving Arab allies to endorse a collaborative approach that addresses the concerns of Palestinians while ensuring Israel’s security.
Interviewer: Lastly, there have been reports of a leak concerning sensitive Pentagon documents about Israeli military preparations. How does this affect Washington’s diplomatic stance in the region?
Dr. Alavi: The leak represents a significant embarrassment for the US, as it undermines trust between allies. An apology was issued, but it highlights the fragility of intelligence-sharing agreements. Moving forward, this incident complicates US diplomacy as they navigate the sensitive landscape of Israeli security concerns while maintaining credibility in the eyes of their Arab partners. The US must take proactive measures to reassure all countries involved that they respect sovereignty and confidentiality, which is critical for future negotiations.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Alavi, for your valuable insights on this evolving situation.
Dr. Alavi: Thank you for having me. It’s an important time for the region, and I hope for a diplomatic resolution to the challenges ahead.
