Blinken Meets with Palestinian and Israeli Officials

Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, has met with Palestinian and Israeli officials during his tour in the region. He aims to de-escalate the violence that has surged in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and to reduce tensions between the two sides.

Meeting with Palestinian Officials

Mr. Blinken visited the Palestinian Authority’s headquarters in Ramallah and met with President Mahmoud Abbas. He expressed concern over the growing insecurity and fear among Palestinians and Israelis and called for reducing tensions in the region. He announced $50 million in new American funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to assist in creating a foundation for more positive actions.

Violence in the Region

The West Bank is witnessing one of its deadliest months in several years, with more than 30 Palestinians killed in January, mostly during Israeli military raids. The violence has seeped into Jerusalem as well, with a recent attack killing seven civilians outside a synagogue in an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem.

Palestinian Authority's stance

President Abbas denounced Israel for depriving Palestinians of their rights, overseeing the annexation of West Bank land, and demolishing Palestinian homes. He also condemned the international community for allowing Israel to do so, but did not single out the U.S.

Biden Administration's Diplomacy

The Biden administration is facing challenges in its diplomacy with Israel, especially with the new right-wing coalition government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The administration is not prioritizing the restoration of the peace process due to global challenges and deep rifts in Palestinian society.

Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Officials

Mr. Blinken met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and issued similar calls for both Israelis and Palestinians to reduce tensions. He also met with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who has helped to mediate two cease-fires between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza since Mr. Biden took office.

Mr. Blinken's chief goal in Ramallah was to persuade the Palestinian leadership to help reduce tensions in the West Bank. He did not announce any new approach to ending the Israeli occupation but expressed that he had heard "concrete ideas" during his trip and asked staff members to stay behind to explore them.