United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on his fifth visit to the Middle East since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7th, met with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince to push for a potential cease-fire deal, postwar planning, and to alleviate regional tensions.
However, Blinken confronts significant hurdles, such as the discord between Hamas and Israel over the terms of a truce, Israel’s rejection of a Palestinian state pathway, and the unwavering stance of Iran’s regional allies despite U.S. military actions.
In Gaza, the resurgence of Hamas in areas heavily impacted by the conflict signals that Israel’s aim to dismantle the group has not been fully achieved.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed ongoing military operations in Gaza, emphasizing a long-term strategy to dominate the territory, including the southern front and the town of Rafah, a refuge for approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians.
This move, however, poses a risk to the longstanding peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
Since October, President Joe Biden’s administration has been facing growing challenges in its relationship with Israeli counterparts on several crucial matters, such as the reduction of civilian casualties, the potential for a broader regional conflict, and the post-conflict situation in Gaza.
In a private meeting held in November, Blinken conveyed to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel would need to consent to a series of ceasefires in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of aid to the conflict zone and permit civilians to evacuate areas under attack.
However, Netanyahu declined to agree, according to the New York Times.
After he arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, Blinken met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi officials have expressed their continued interest in potentially establishing historic relations with Israel, contingent upon the existence of a credible plan for the creation of a Palestinian state.
The secretary of state “underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict,” the State Department said in a statement.
Despite discussing humanitarian needs and regional prosperity, the overarching peace agreement seems distant, given the ongoing violence in Gaza.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the Palestinian death toll reaching over 27,400, and has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing 85% of its population.
Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken by the group.
The Israeli military has launched targeted operations in northern Gaza over the past week with the aim of preventing Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities.
Netanyahu, on Monday, expressed confidence in Israel’s military achievements and determination for victory: “We are on the way to absolute victory, and I want to tell you that we are committed to it and we will not give it up.”
While international efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release continue, Hamas insists on ending the offensive and demands the liberation of Palestinian prisoners, a condition Israel has not accepted.
The conflict has escalated regional tensions, with daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah and recent strikes targeting U.S. soldiers and Iranian-backed forces, signaling the potential for a broader confrontation.
Blinken will also travel to Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank for talks.
The State Department statement reads, “The Secretary will also continue discussions with partners on how to establish a more integrated, peaceful region that includes lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
