The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, arrived in Egypt on Monday amidst critical efforts by Washington to increase pressure on Hamas and Israel for a Gaza ceasefire, while also aiming to prevent the conflict from escalating into Lebanon.
The highest-ranking US diplomat, in his eighth visit to the region since October 7th, is also slated to travel to Jordan and Qatar later this week.
Blinken held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo and is expected to visit Israel later on Monday. During his visit, he will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The visit follows US President Joe Biden’s announcement on May 31st regarding a three-phase ceasefire proposal from Israel, aiming for a lasting cessation of hostilities and the safe return of Israeli hostages.
Blinken’s journey follows the resignation of Israeli Minister Benny Gantz from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government on Sunday. Gantz’s departure removes the only centrist influence in Netanyahu’s otherwise predominantly far-right coalition during the Gaza conflict.
