Page 8 - Antony Blinken

Biden to travel to Israel on Oct 18 amid concern that conflict could expand

President Joe Biden will travel to Israel on Wednesday to show support for the US ally as concerns increase that the raging Israel-Hamas war could expand into a larger regional conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Biden's travel to Israel as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip grows more dire and as Israel prepares for a possible ground attack on the 141-square-mile (365-square-kilometre) territory to root out Hamas militants responsible for what US and Israeli officials say was the most lethal assault against Jews since the Holocaust. Biden is looking to send the strongest message yet that the US is behind Israel. His Democratic administration has pledged military support, sending US carriers and aid to the region. Officials have said they would ask Congress for upward of USD 2 billion in additional aid for both Israel and Ukraine, which is fighting Russia's invasion. Blinken made the announcement early Tuesday after more than seven hours of talks with

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Israel's US ambassador Herzog says reoccupation of Gaza is not a goal

He said a potential visit by President Joe Biden has not been finalised, but that it would send "a very strong message of support to Israel. And a deterrent message to Israel's enemies."

US Secy Blinken arrives in Tel Aviv as Israel prepares for Gaza offensive

On Sunday, the Israel Defence Forces chief said that the army will soon enter the Gaza Strip to decimate the Hamas terror group, reported The Times of Israel

Blinken voices confidence in Gaza aid delivery, Rafah crossing to reopen

"We're putting in place with the United Nations, with Egypt, with Israel, with others, a mechanism by which to get the assistance in and to get it to people who need it," he said

US stands by Israel today, tomorrow, and every day, says Blinken amid war

Highlighting his brief interaction with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his recent visit, Blinken told reporters there is a not of assistance "moving forward"

Antony Blinken to extend Middle East tour, return to Israel on Monday

Blinken held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, one of the most powerful leaders of the region, a meeting the top U.S. diplomat described as "very productive"

Antony Blinken meets Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo

US State Secretary Antony Blinken affirmed the immediate halt of Hamas attacks on Israel and de-escalation of war

In first call with Palestinian prez, Biden talks support for aid to Gaza

President Joe Biden on Saturday spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the leaders to allow humanitarian aid to the region and affirmed his support for efforts to protect civilians. The weekend calls in Washington came as the US said it was moving up a second carrier strike group in support of Israel, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken intensified diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding. Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing humanitarian crisis. He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as wel

Blinken calls for civilian's protection as Israel prepares for Gaza assault

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Saturday for protection for civilians in both the Gaza Strip and Israel as the Israeli military ordered half of the Palestinian territory's population to evacuate in advance of an expected ground assault. Blinken met his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh as he began a third day of intense Middle East diplomacy aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a regional conflict and fuelling a humanitarian crisis. Both stressed the importance of minimising the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack in Israel. As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and we're working together to do exactly that, Blinken said before heading to the United Arab Emirates for similar ..

Blinken vows support for Israel, says Hamas does not represent Palestinians

The US will never falter from its support for Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday but underlined the importance of taking "every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians" as the Israeli military prepares for a "next stage" of the war against Hamas militants in Gaza. "No country can or would tolerate the slaughter of its citizens or simply return to the conditions that allowed it to take place. Israel has the right, indeed the obligation, to defend itself and to ensure that this never happens again," Blinken told reporters while speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. Blinken also reiterated that respect for civilian life is what distinguishes democracies from the likes of Hamas, saying, "As the Prime Minister and I discussed, how Israel does this matters." Blinken also stressed that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. "This was just one of Hamas' countless acts of terror. It brings to mind the worst of ISIS

Antony Blinken arrives in Israel amid its escalating conflict with Hamas

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders. Blinken stepped down the stairs from his aircraft just before 10:30 am local (0730 GMT) at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport outside of Tel Aviv. He was met at the airport by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and other officials. He gave no public comments before getting into a vehicle to leave. Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu. Blinken will also meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman on Friday.

State Secy Antony Blinken departs for Israel, says 'US has Israel's back'

Speaking to reporters ahead of his departure, Blinken said, "We are heading, as you know, to Israel, and I'm going with a very simple and clear message on behalf of the President of the United States"

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Blinken to travel to Israel in display of US solidarity after Hamas attacks

President Joe Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show US support after major terrorist attacks by Hamas militants, the State Department said on Tuesday. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in coming days to deliver a message of solidarity and support. He said Blinken will also "talk about what additional resources we can give them. Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.

Blinken calls deposed Niger leader ahead of expected US declaration on coup

Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Niger's deposed President Mohamed Bazoum on Monday ahead of an expected decision by the Biden administration to formally declare that his overthrow was a coup d'etat. The State Department said Blinken called Bazoum to stress that a restoration of a freely elected government remains the best way for Niger to not only succeed for its people but also to remain a key partner of the U.S. and others in countering extremism. In the call, Blinken reiterated that a democratically elected, civilian-led government presents the best opportunity to ensure that Niger remains a strong partner in security and development in the region," the State Department said in a brief statement. The United States calls for the immediate release of all those unjustly detained following the military takeover, the department said. Blinken's call came as the administration is preparing to make a formal determination that July's military takeover in the central African nati

Disrupting Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack, says Blinken

He added that there was not yet any evidence seen by the United States of Iran being behind the latest attack in Israel but he noted the long standing ties between Iran and Hamas, which governs Gaza

Blinken discusses Hamas' attack with foreign ministers of Saudi, Turkey

He also discussed the attack with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. "We appreciate Egypt's ongoing efforts and reiterate the urgent need to halt the Hamas attacks," Blinken wrote

US officials will meet with counterparts in Mexico to talk drugs, migration

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top American officials are visiting Mexico on Wednesday to discuss shared security issues, foremost among them trafficking of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, but also arms trafficking and increasing migration. The latest round of the High-Level Security Dialogue brings Blinken, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, among others, together with their Mexican counterparts for two days of talks. Heightened migration is expected to be discussed as President Joe Biden's administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the president's own party to do more to slow migrant arrivals. Blinken was scheduled to discuss migration Wednesday with Mexico's Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Barcena, as well as the foreign ministers of Colombia and Panama. New York City Mayor Eric Adams took a separate trip through Latin America aimed at learning more about asylum seekers'

Canada's allegations raised during meeting with Jaishankar: Blinken

Stating that the US is "very concerned" about the allegations, Blinken said those responsible behind the incident need to be "held accountable"