What’s happening:

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday evening. This marks his fifth visit since the commencement of hostilities and comes at a critical time as Israel looks to de-escalate the conflict, particularly in Gaza and along the northern border.

Why it matters:

Blinken’s visit is particularly important as it aims to offer Hezbollah an off-ramp from escalated tensions in the north while simultaneously addressing the future governance and humanitarian support for Gaza. His presence underscores the Biden administration’s concern about a possible spillover of the conflict to northern regions and its effects on civilian populations.

Between the lines:

The IDF is reportedly entering “the third phase” of the conflict, focusing on limited operations in the northern Gaza Strip. While not officially announced, this move is aligned with the American desire for Israel to publicize their de-escalation efforts, giving Hezbollah a chance to step back and consider future political negotiations brokered by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein.

The bigger picture:

The U.S. stands firmly against any expansion of the war, with Blinken already articulating in Greece that Israel has the right to defend itself without seeking escalation. Both Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Blinken are advocating for significant humanitarian relief for Gaza, which reflects a broader international concern.

Yes, but:

Blinken is also expected to push for the rejection of calls for the voluntary migration of Gazans—an idea that is not part of official Israeli policy, as President Isaac Herzog affirmed. The U.S. aims to ensure that any post-war strategy maintains the democratic nature of Israel and that a range of opinions, particularly concerning Gaza’s future, can be freely expressed.

What’s next:

Following his night arrival on Monday, Blinken has a busy schedule starting Tuesday with meetings planned with Israeli leaders, including President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and other key members of Israel’s security establishment. He will also interact with the press and the opposition leader, Yair Lapid, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and regional stability.

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This story was first published on ynetnews.com.