Updated Oct 10, 2023 - Politics & Policy

Blinken to travel to Israel in show of U.S. support following Hamas attack

Sareen Habeshian

Antony Blinken in Washington, DC, on Oct. 10. Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to Israel this week, the State Department confirmed Tuesday.

The big picture: The visit comes as the U.S. doubles down on its role in the crisis, with President Biden reaffirming support for Israel and sending additional military aid to the country following Hamas' attack over the weekend.

"The brutality of Hamas' blood thirstiness brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS. This is terrorism," Biden said during a briefing Tuesday, speaking alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Blinken.

Driving the news: During the visit, Blinken is expected to meet with top Israeli leadership and receive security updates, per the Department of State.

Blinken said he'll also "discuss ways we can continue to support them in the fight against these terrorist attacks," adding that "our support for Israel remains unwavering."
He is expected to depart the U.S. on Wednesday arrive in Israel on Thursday and return Friday.

Of note: Blinken visited Ukraine, another country in the midst of war, last month for the fourth time since Russia's invasion.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details.

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Blinken to travel to Israel in show of U.S. support following Hamas attack

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