Blinken Meets with Israeli, Palestinian Leaders

JERUSALEM - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting Tuesday with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem and Palestinian leaders in Ramallah as part of an effort to build on a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that went into effect late last week. 

“Even as we were working with the parties and partners to help reach a ceasefire, we were also focused on the road ahead, including steps we could take to build a better future for Israelis and Palestinians,” Blinken said as he departed for what is a multi-nation visit to the Middle East.  It is his first time going to the region as the top U.S. diplomat.  His schedule Tuesday includes meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, as well as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.  U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement Monday that Blinken will “meet with Israeli leaders about our ironclad commitment to Israel's security” and “will continue our administration's efforts to rebuild ties to, and support for, the Palestinian people and leaders, after years of neglect.”