Blinken arrives in Israel in solidarity visit after Hamas attacks, likely to meet PM Netanyahu

In a show of solidarity after Hamas’s surprise weekend onslaught in Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday.

Blinken, who under unusually tight security with guards in camouflaged military gear, was received at the airport by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

#WATCH | Israel-Palestine conflict: United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken reaches Tel Aviv, Israel.

(Source: US Network Pool/Reuters) pic.twitter.com/yEG7Hyte4s

— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2023

Blinken is likely to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington closes ranks with its ally that has launched a withering air campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

The top US diplomat will also try to help secure the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas — some of whom are Americans — and safe passage of Gaza civilians out of the densely-populated enclave ahead of a possible Israeli ground invasion.

“The United States has Israel’s back. We have their back today, tomorrow – we will have it every day,” Blinken told reporters just before departure.

“We’re determined to make sure Israel gets everything it needs to defend itself,” he added.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he made another phone call to Netanyahu and he also reiterated “unshakeable” US support.

The State Department, meanwhile, said that the death toll of US citizens in the violence had risen to “at least 22.” An unspecified number of American hostages are also believed to be in the hands of Hamas.

In a departure from usual US calls for restraint when violence erupts overseas, Biden and his administration have made clear they support Israel’s right to an overwhelming response.

With inputs from agencies