US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken begins a trip to Egypt, Israel and the West Bank on January 29, with Ukraine aid, growing alignment between Russia and Iran, and easing Israeli-Palestinian tensions on his agenda. .
The State Department said Thursday, Jan. 26, that the issues Blanken will consult with partners include Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iran-Israeli-Palestinian relations and the protection of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and human rights and democratic values. Includes protection.
Israel has provided medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine but has refrained from sending military equipment to Kyiv. The move could raise suspicions in Moscow, which could harm Israel’s security interests given Russia’s relationship with Syria in Israel’s neighboring country, Syria.
US, Russia continue to seek Israel’s support for Ukraine while refraining from criticizing Israel’s stance on the Ukraine war.
Blanken will visit the Middle East from January 29 to 31, after White House National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders from January 18 to 20.
The White House says Sullivan reiterated Washington’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security amid the threat from Iran in those meetings.
US officials have accused Iran of supplying drones to Moscow for attacks on Ukraine. Iran has admitted giving the drones to Russia, but says the transfer took place before Moscow invaded Ukraine.
During his visit, Blanken will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and other top officials in Jerusalem. While in the West Bank, he will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior officials.
In Cairo, the US Secretary of State will meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to promote the strategic partnership between the US and Egypt, and they will discuss joint support for elections in Libya and the ongoing political process under the Sudanese leadership. do