Blinken's Jerusalem agenda is all about damage control
Then Israel’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin introduced his judicial reform. It became clear that, along with Iran and the Palestinians, normalization and security, at least some of Blinken’s discussion would be focused on the newly announced reforms.
And indeed, before his departure, the State Department announced that the purpose of the trip to Egypt, Israel, and the PA was to promote “the protection of human rights and democratic values, among other topics.” While those words weren’t directed solely at Israel, it was pretty clear who was included.
But then, after the most horrific terror attack in the past decade last Friday night in Neve Yaakov, it was clear that the focus of the trip would change yet again.
To this point, the Biden administration has given low priority to the Palestinian issue. Knowing the chances of a successful peace deal are near zero, the White House has decided not to waste time or credibility on the issue. But now, Blinken finds himself on an urgent mission to prevent escalation after the terror attack.
Create a free account to keep reading.
