Blinken's second visit to Israel comes as the Israeli military prepares for a ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza Image: Jacquelyn Martin/REUTERS
Oct 16, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Tel Aviv.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has returned to Israel on Monday,
after he held discussions in six Arab countries.
Blinken earlier visited Israel last Thursday, following Hamas's terror attacks on October 7. During that visit, Blinken expressed solidarity with Israel and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Over the past few days, Blinken has been to Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, the
UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, seeking to prevent a broader spillover of
the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
Blinken will again meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on
Monday, along with Netanyahu's security cabinet. Blinken said on Sunday
that he would use the second visit in Israel to convey what he heard from
US Arab partners in the region.
Blinken's return comes amid reports that US President Joe Biden is
weighing a visit to Israel. The White House has not officially confirmed
that decision.
Biden on Monday canceled a planned visit to Colorado, adding to speculation
that a trip might be in the works.
DW
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