On his tenth visit to the area since the start of the conflict in October, Mr. Blinken delivered his remarks on Monday during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Since negotiations resumed in Doha last week, the US has voiced confidence about a deal; however, Hamas claims that any indications of progress are a “illusion.” Among the points of contention, according to Hamas, is whether or not Israeli troops will have to completely leave from Gaza, as it demands.
When they meet later on Monday, Mr. Blinken is anticipated to keep up the pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Amidst the meeting with Mr. Herzog, Mr. Blinken stated, “We’re working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and greater intensity.”
This is my eighth trip to the Middle East and Israel since October 7. It’s a critical time, perhaps the last, best chance to free the hostages, secure a truce, and put everyone on a more favorable route toward long-term stability and peace.
