Israel believes Blinken expecting to see noticeable change in humanitarian situation

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gestures as he arrives in Abu Dhabi on January 7, 2024. (EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / POOL / AFP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gestures as he arrives in Abu Dhabi on January 7, 2024. (EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / POOL / AFP)

Israel believes that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expecting to come away from his meetings in Israel with tangible results, The Times of Israel has learned.

Specifically, the White House and other Western partners want a noticeable change in humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and a major increase in the amount of aid reaching Gazan civilians.

Blinken is also coming to verify that Israel is indeed moving to the third stage of the war, as it announced today.

Israel also expects Blinken to focus on the “day after” — who will rule Gaza, who will be responsible for security, who will handle civil matters and where will funds come from.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi have been working on answers to the questions in recent days to prepare for Blinken’s visit.

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