U.S.-Israel Relations at Lowest Point Since Gaza Conflict: Blinken’s Middle East Trip Ends with Divisions
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his fifth trip to the Middle East on Thursday, leaving behind a strained relationship between the United States and Israel. The public divisions between the two countries are said to be at their worst level since Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza began in October. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of a proposed cease-fire plan, which the U.S. believes has merit, has highlighted the growing divide between Israel and its main international ally.
Despite the tensions, Blinken and other U.S. officials remain optimistic that progress can be made in achieving their main goals. These include improving humanitarian conditions for Palestinian civilians, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, preparing for a post-conflict Gaza, and preventing the war from spreading further.
Blinken’s optimism is based on his previous four trips to the region since October 7. Although these visits did not yield immediate visible successes, they did bring about limited but significant improvements in the delivery of humanitarian aid. In November, a weeklong cease-fire was also achieved, resulting in the release of numerous hostages.
While Blinken sees room for negotiation, Netanyahu has firmly rejected Hamas’ response to the cease-fire and hostage release proposal. He called it “delusional” and vowed that Israel would continue fighting until they achieve “absolute victory” over the militant group.
Adding to Blinken’s challenges, Netanyahu also dismissed concerns from the U.S. and others about expanding Israel’s military operations in southern Gaza, particularly in Rafah. This area is where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge along the Egyptian border. Blinken has repeatedly urged Israel to strengthen civilian protection and provide more assistance to those in need. However, he acknowledges that the daily toll on innocent civilians from Israel’s military operations remains too high.
Netanyahu further called for the dismantlement of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, due to alleged hostility towards Israel and allegations that some of its employees were involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. The U.S. and other donor nations have suspended new assistance to UNRWA pending a U.N. investigation. Nevertheless, Blinken emphasizes the agency’s critical role in providing humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
Blinken also appeals to Netanyahu and other Israelis affected by the Hamas attack not to let vengeance dictate their response. He acknowledges the dehumanization suffered by Israelis and the hostages but emphasizes that it should not be a license to dehumanize others.
Blinken arrived in Israel shortly after receiving Hamas’ counter-proposal to the cease-fire agreement. The proposal outlines a three-phase plan to de-escalate the conflict. In Qatar, both Blinken and Qatar’s prime minister expressed optimism about the proposal as a starting point for further negotiations. Blinken also highlights Saudi Arabia’s interest in normalizing relations with Israel, contingent upon the end of the Gaza war and the establishment of a clear pathway to an independent Palestinian state.
However, Netanyahu remains opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state and asserts that Israel will maintain security control over Gaza indefinitely.
As Blinken returns to Washington, it is clear that the U.S.-Israel relationship is facing significant challenges. The divide between the two countries has been exacerbated by Netanyahu’s rejection of the proposed cease-fire plan and his opposition to a Palestinian state. Despite these obstacles, Blinken remains hopeful that progress can be made in addressing humanitarian concerns, securing hostage releases, and working towards a lasting peace in the region.