Blinken: Israel’s Focus Is on Hostage Deal, Not Hypotheticals About Rafah

By Yoni Weiss

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence in Israel’s commitment to achieving a truce and securing the release of hostages from Hamas. In an interview with NBC on Thursday, Blinken stated that Israel is willing to make significant concessions for a deal to materialize, placing the responsibility for its success squarely on Hamas.

Blinken emphasized Israel’s desire for a deal, noting that it provides an immediate ceasefire and the return of hostages, providing a foundation for further progress.

Regarding Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s mention of a potential offensive in Rafah, Blinken urged focusing on actions rather than rhetoric. He stressed the urgency of Hamas’s response to the proposal on the table, emphasizing its potential for securing a ceasefire and hostage release.

In response to questions about U.S. action if Israel proceeds with an operation in Rafah instead of pursuing a deal, Blinken declined to speculate on hypothetical scenarios. He reiterated the need for a clear and credible plan to protect civilians in Rafah, emphasizing that the U.S. cannot endorse a major military operation without such assurance.

Blinken reiterated the U.S. stance on the necessity of safeguarding civilian lives in Rafah before supporting any military action.