Smart Take | Blinken in Israel; Netanyahu Determined to Launch Rafah Offensive

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East now, working with counterparts to lay the groundwork for a ceasefire and figure out how to rebuild Gaza after the war. Another important issue driving the trip is Israel’s upcoming ground offensive into Rafah, which US leadership believes is a mistake. James Jeffrey, Chair of the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, provides insights on US and Israeli objectives, Ambassador Dermer’s upcoming trip to Washington, what is at stake in the negotiations, and the role that Iran is playing in the backdrop.

Video Transcript

Guest

Middle East Program

The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program serves as a crucial resource for the policymaking community and beyond, providing analyses and research that helps inform US foreign policymaking, stimulates public debate, and expands knowledge about issues in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.   Read more

Middle East Program