Blinken: Israel Has Opportunities to Build Closer Relations in the Region

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Israel on Tuesday, following visits to Arab capitals, that he sees opportunities for the country to build closer relationships in the region after the Gaza crisis. In a televised meeting with Israeli Minister Israel Katz, he said, "I am aware of your specific efforts, over many years, to build greater communication and integration in the Middle East, and I truly believe there are real opportunities." He continued, "But we must get past this very difficult moment and ensure that October 7 does not happen again, and work towards building a different and much better future," referring to the Hamas attack across the border that ignited the current war.