After completing his fourth tour of the Middle East since the beginning of the war in Gaza, the top US diplomat is facing scrutiny over whether his visit was truly meant to promote diplomacy or was merely an exercise in damage control. During his tour of Israel, the West Bank, Bahrain, and several other countries in the region, Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced ongoing criticism over the US’s support for Israel and its military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in a significant number of Palestinian casualties.
While Blinken has maintained that the US continues to stand with Israel, he also acknowledged the need for an end to the conflict and expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties. However, analysts have described the tour as a diplomatic balancing act, with the US attempting to influence Israel’s approach to the war while avoiding publicly exerting leverage.
There are also differences in the visions articulated by the US and Israel for the path forward after the war. Blinken has called for a two-state solution for Palestine and a reduction of Israel’s military activities in Gaza. However, Israeli government officials have rejected a two-state solution, and far-right leaders have voiced support for the migration of Palestinians out of Gaza. The broader strategy behind Blinken’s visit is seen as an attempt at damage control, as the US’s refusal to support a Gaza ceasefire and continued backing of Israel’s operations have strained its relationships with Arab allies in the region.
Despite Blinken’s attempts to claim victories during the trip, challenges remain. The US’s stance on Gaza might set back efforts to improve relations with Iran and its proxies, and Biden has faced criticism over his Gaza stance from within his own party and administration. While the US’s influence over Israel remains limited, the latest trip to the Middle East is seen as a performative act designed to save face both domestically and internationally.