During his visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with key Israeli opposition figures as part of the ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Blinken’s meetings with Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid were followed by his participation in an international Gaza aid conference in Jordan.
Addressing the failure to reach a truce deal, Blinken pointed fingers at Hamas during his conversation with Gantz.
The State Department highlighted the talks as a step towards a potential ceasefire in Gaza, tied to a broader agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages and increasing humanitarian aid in the region.
Gantz, who recently shifted from the war cabinet to the opposition, is viewed as a significant political rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While it is uncommon for US diplomats to engage with opposition leaders during foreign visits, Blinken’s interactions with Gantz and Lapid have been consistent during his trips to Israel.
The Biden administration’s growing impatience with Netanyahu’s Gaza policies was evident during Tuesday’s discussions.
Despite repeated calls from US officials for a comprehensive post-conflict plan for Gaza, the Netanyahu government has yet to present one.
After a prolonged period of reluctance towards a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the US is now actively working towards ending the conflict.
President Joe Biden’s proposed plan aims to bring a sustainable resolution to the Gaza war, which has resulted in a significant loss of life among Palestinians.
While US officials attribute the lack of progress to Hamas, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to continue military operations until the group is eradicated.
Following his meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken reiterated the Israeli prime minister’s stance on the matter.
Link from www.aljazeera.com