Blinken Arrives in Israel for Talks, Pushing for Ceasefire

By Yoni Weiss

Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived at Ben Gurion airport on Friday morning.

Blinken, who is currently touring the Middle East, is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and participate in discussions with the War Cabinet. Additionally, he plans to meet with families of hostages.

This visit marks Blinken’s seventh trip to Israel since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, which began with Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7.

Upon his arrival in Tel Aviv, Blinken reiterated his commitment to seeking alternatives to Israel’s planned ground assault on the southern Gaza town of Rafah. He expressed his intentions to discuss these options with Netanyahu and members of the War Cabinet.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a resolution, sponsored by the United States, calling for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in the war. European Union leaders have also issued a statement urging an immediate humanitarian pause, the release of hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid.