Netanyahu Staunch on His Positions After Three-Hour Meeting with Blinken

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, "Israel's commitment to the U.S. proposal regarding a deal in Gaza." Netanyahu's office reported that the Prime Minister "steadfastly insisted on meeting Israel's security needs," describing the three-hour meeting as "positive." For his part, Blinken emphasized "the need to reach a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of hostages, allows for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and creates conditions for regional stability," according to the U.S. State Department. He also affirmed that "his country is working to calm tensions in the region and is firmly committed to Israel's security." Earlier on Monday, Blinken stated, "The time has come to reach a deal and avoid escalation," adding, "This is the best and perhaps the last opportunity to release the hostages and reach an agreement."