U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has arrived in Turkey to kick-start his diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of the war in Gaza. Alongside multiple stops in the region, including Israel and the West Bank, Blinken's visit aims to engage in talks with key stakeholders to curb the ongoing conflict. His first order of business involves meetings with Turkey's foreign minister and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In a bid to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, Blinken plans to leverage diplomatic back channels to convey a message to Iran that Washington is determined to quell the conflict without further escalation. As part of his diplomatic push, he will also discuss the next phase of Israel's military campaign and the plans for Gaza once the fighting ceases.
On the agenda for Blinken's visit to Israel is ensuring the delivery of sufficient humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The Secretary of State aims to facilitate the safe distribution of essential necessities such as food, water, and medicine to all citizens in Gaza. Furthermore, he prioritizes the protection of civilians within the region.
Previously, during his December visit, Blinken left the Israeli government with a plan for the aftermath of the war. The current phase of Israel's military operation in Gaza involves special forces operations and tunnel clearance in the north, as well as pursuing Hamas leaders and attempting to locate missing hostages in the south. However, it is the fourth phase, which lacks concrete details, that has raised concerns within Israel and may pose challenges for Blinken during his visit.
The fourth phase envisions a situation where Hamas no longer poses a threat, Israeli civilians are safe, and the Israeli Defense Forces can conduct operations. Additionally, an international coalition led by the United States, with European and regional partners, is expected to focus on humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts. However, this phase lacks clarity regarding the structure of Palestinian authority and political leadership within Gaza.
Criticism has emerged, both from within the cabinet and among political figures, regarding the three-page plan for the post-war period. Some argue that it fails to address key concerns and claim that the military should focus on operational improvements rather than conducting investigations. Notably, the defense minister has expressed support for the army chief of staff's efforts in investigating the failings of October 7th.
In this politically divided landscape, Secretary Blinken faces challenges as he begins his week of diplomacy. The war cabinet, including opposition leader Benny Gantz, demands strong leadership from the prime minister and unity for the country's security. However, differences of opinion persist, further complicating the prospects of a cohesive plan for the day after the war.
Secretary Blinken's diplomatic mission promises to be an arduous one. Amidst a myriad of political divisions and criticisms, he will pursue resolutions that prioritize the safety of civilians, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and work towards long-term stability in the region.
