International
Blinken Meets Israeli Leaders To Revive Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Blinken’s arrival in Israel on Tuesday marks his 11th visit to the Middle East since the Gaza war began over a year ago, and it follows Israel’s intensified clashes with Hezbollah last month.
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The visit was overshadowed by reports from Israeli media that Hezbollah launched medium-range missiles towards Tel Aviv, briefly closing Ben Gurion Airport as Blinken landed.
In talks held in Jerusalem, Blinken urged Netanyahu to “seize the moment” following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces last week, and to use the opportunity to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Blinken “underscored the need to capitalise on Israel’s successful action to bring Yahya Sinwar to justice by securing the release of all hostages and ending the conflict in Gaza in a way that provides lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said after the talks.
Despite the devastation in Gaza and the displacement of most of its 2.3 million residents, there was no indication of a ceasefire being discussed, even after a year of war that has significantly weakened Hamas’s military strength. Gaza itself has been largely destroyed.
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The US State Department said Blinken and Netanyahu also reviewed the implementation of a long-dormant 2006 UN resolution aimed at restoring stability along the Israel-Lebanon border, a move that would allow displaced civilians on both sides to return home.
However, as Blinken met with Israeli leaders, Hezbollah dismissed the idea of entering talks with Israel while fighting persisted, and it claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting Netanyahu’s holiday residence on Saturday.
Netanyahu reiterated the importance of improving Lebanon’s security and political situation, which he said is necessary for the safe return of Israelis to homes previously hit by Hezbollah’s rocket attacks.
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