Read on for today's agenda below prepared by David (thank you very much). - Retired US Diplomat to 5 different nations David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest, and experience.
1)Secretary of State Blinken's Fourth Trip to Middle East since Oct 7th: Blinken is making a Middle East trip this week, including Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel. This is at a time when fears of regional escalation are rising. Netanyahu's government just used a drone to assassinate a top Hamas leader in Beirut, Lebanon. That country's military leader has promised a response to this violation of Lebanese sovereignty. Meanwhile Israel's heavy bombardment of Gaza continues. What can Blinken accomplish on this trip?
2)The Day After in Gaza?: The Defense Minister of Israel Gallant has announced a draft plan that would include Israel military continued presence in Gaza after the war, but would 'allow' the US and other international groups to help rebuild the smashed territory. Running the new Gaza Strip government would be some undefined 'Palestine group' but not including Hamas, and likely not Palestine Authority. Would his plan work?
3)Who Is Biden's New White House Advisor on Israel-Gaza War?: Recently Biden appointed Amos Hochstein as Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security. He is also Special Presidential Envoy helping Secretary of State Blinken to limit the expansion of the Gaza war into Lebanon. What makes his appointment remarkable?
