US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Urges Calm in the Middle East: Blinken began his Middle East tour in Cairo and urged “calm” and “de-escalation” after violence broke out between Israel and the Palestinians.
He condemned the recent “horrific terrorist attacks” and stressed the importance of working towards a two-state solution. Blinken then traveled to Israel and the Palestinian territories to meet with leaders.
Violence Erupts Between Israel and the Palestinians: Israel is facing recent attacks that have resulted in the deaths of seven civilians and ten lives in an army raid. In the latest violence, a Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces in Hebron. The US has taken a lead role in Middle East diplomacy and Blinken’s trip is seen as urgent due to the latest developments.
Diplomatic Efforts to De-escalate Tensions: Blinken commended the role of Egypt in promoting stability in the region and discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. He also met with the Prime Minister of Israel and the Palestinian leader to discuss the situation. The Pope, French President, and Russia’s Foreign Minister have all called for calm and responsibility from all sides.
Biden Administration Engages with Israel: Blinken’s visit to Israel is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to engage with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had tense relations with the previous Democratic administration. Blinken was expected to reiterate US support for a Palestinian state and call for the preservation of the status quo at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.