Blinken lands in Israel for an eighth diplomatic visit

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken landed just now (Monday) at Ben Gurion Airport for a diplomatic visit, the eight such visit since the war began eight months ago.

Blinken is arriving from Cairo, and he is expected to continue on to Jordan and Qatar to advance the American framework for a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas.

During his visit, Blinken is expected to meet with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, President Yitzhak Herzog, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid. The American senior official will also meet with the departing ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot.

Earlier today, Blinken addressed the hostage deal at the end of his meeting with Egyptian President a-Sisi, calling on countries around the world to pressure Hamas to agree to the deal he claims Israel approved.