Tel Aviv, Israel – Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli leaders on Tuesday to prioritize civilian safety in Gaza, avoid a full-scale war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and plan for the aftermath of the ongoing conflict. Blinken, who represents Israel’s closest ally, is presenting a Gaza reconstruction plan based on his recent meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Greece, and Turkey.
During his meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and the emergency war cabinet, Blinken emphasized the need to minimize civilian casualties in the devastating Gaza war. To date, approximately 23,000 people have been killed, according to Gaza health officials. However, far-right members of the Netanyahu government have rejected American calls for the involvement of the Palestinian Authority in the post-war Gaza recovery and have advocated for the mass displacement of Gaza’s civilians.
While there are substantial differences between the positions of Israeli and Arab leaders, Blinken is urging all parties to view the conflict as an opportunity to potentially reshape the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He believes that ending the war could lead to improved relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as pave the way for a future Palestinian state. However, Blinken has not provided specific details on how the United States plans to address the obstacles that have hindered previous attempts to establish a Palestinian state.
Blinken’s visit to the region, which marks his fourth in three months, comes at a time of mixed signals regarding the de-escalation of the fighting in Gaza. While Israeli military officials have announced troop drawdowns in the northern part of the enclave, allowing some residents to return to their devastated neighborhoods, fighting continues in southern and central Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated that hostilities may persist for several more months.
The Biden administration and Israeli officials are currently not in favor of a general cease-fire, as it may provide Hamas with an opportunity to regroup and launch further attacks. Israel has also stated that the release of more than 100 remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza is a prerequisite for any significant de-escalation. Blinken has pledged to meet with hostage families while in Israel to discuss efforts to bring them home.
In addition to the Gaza conflict, Blinken has urged caution in Israel’s response to Hezbollah forces along the Lebanese border. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily for the past three months, leading to the evacuation of thousands of civilians on both sides. Although there is a understanding of the dangers associated with further escalation, a diplomatic resolution to the situation has not yet been reached.
Overall, Blinken’s goal during his visit to the region is to reduce the intensity of the fighting in Gaza and prevent a wider conflict with Hezbollah. He is emphasizing the need for civilian protection and urging Israeli leaders to consider the potential for improved relations with Arab neighbors in a post-war context. The United States is also engaged in efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.