Blinken Arrives in Israel as Hostage Deal Negotiations Intensify

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday to advance negotiations for a potential hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, according to The Times of Israel. This marks Blinken's ninth visit since the conflict began in October. During his stay, Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid White House indications that a deal is close to being finalized.

Negotiations have been ongoing, with mid-level Israeli officials holding discussions in Cairo on Sunday following two days of talks in Qatar, fueling optimism among the mediating countries. Working groups remain in Doha, but Netanyahu, speaking shortly before Blinken's arrival, maintained his firm stance, emphasizing the need for more pressure on Hamas. Netanyahu sought to manage expectations, despite the optimism expressed by Washington.

At a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu underscored that Israel is engaging in negotiations based on give-and-take principles, not one-sided concessions. He stated that while there are areas where flexibility is possible, there are others where Israel remains steadfast, particularly regarding its security principles, which align with a proposal outlined on May 27 and supported by the United States. However, Netanyahu is reported to have introduced additional demands not included in that proposal.

The framework of the deal, as presented by US President Joe Biden on May 31, includes a three-stage plan. The initial six-week phase would involve a pause in Israel's ground operations and the withdrawal of soldiers in exchange for the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and the injured, while Israel would release 990 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas and some analysts...