Diplomatic efforts in Israel

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East is also reflected in the intensity of diplomatic efforts. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made more foreign trips to Israel than any Secretary of State since Condoleezza Rice. As of now, Antony Blinken ranks alongside Henry Kissinger in 4th place for the number of foreign trips to Israel since the founding of this state (both made 15 visits). The top three are Warren Christopher (34 trips in 4 years), Condoleezza Rice (25 trips in 4 years), and George Shultz (16 trips in 6.5 years).

The frequency of Secretary Blinken's trips to Israel increased significantly after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The United States is a key ally of Israel, but it also plays an irreplaceable role in mediating the Middle East conflict and in overall efforts to normalize relations in the region. Although the frequency of visits is tied to resolving the current conflict, four of Blinken's trips occurred before the Hamas attack and indicated broader efforts to arrange relations between Israel and countries in the region.

A special context to the situation is added by the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, particularly the very tight race of the pre-election campaign. Therefore, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East could also have a significant domestic political impact on the U.S., in addition to its foreign policy implications.