Blinken joins Israeli war cabinet meeting to supervise decisions
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Israeli media say US State Secretary Antony Blinken's participation in the Israeli war cabinet's meeting reflects the extent to which the US seeks to supervise the occupation.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives at the airport to depart from Amman, Jordan, October 16, 2023, en route to occupied Palestine (AP)
Israeli media reported Monday that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in the Israeli war cabinet meeting after he landed in occupied Palestine earlier in the day.
According to Israeli media, Blinken's participation in the meeting shows to what extent the Americans have influence over "Israel's" decision-making process.
"One must look at President Joe Biden's visit. He was not invited, but he announced that he would visit because he wants to ensure two things: first, that Israel will not open a front in the north, and second: it will not occupy Gaza entirely, and he is keen on these two matters," Israeli Channel 13 said.
"The US Secretary of State, along with all members of the Security Cabinet, is now in a secure room in Tel Aviv," in the Security Ministry building, Israeli media said after air raid sirens were sounded.
Blinken arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, shortly thereafter, he visited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed recent developments with him.
Israeli media revealed that the United States transferred ownership of a portion of the Iron Dome anti-air system to the Israeli occupation forces and air force.
After touching down in "Tel Aviv", Blinken released a joint press conference with Netanyahu during his visit to tackle the matter of unaccounted-for Americans killed or held hostage.
"The message that I bring to Israel is this: You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself but as long as America exists, you will never ever have to, we will always be there by your side," Blinken said.
The diplomat also claimed that "Israel" has "the right, indeed an obligation to defend itself and to ensure that this will never happen again".
At the moment, the US is supplying ammunition to restock "Israel's" Iron Dome, as the first shipments of which have already arrived and, according to Blinken, more are on the way.
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It was stressed during the conference that the US will continue to work with "Israel" to release hostages as the former seeks intensive regional diplomacy so that the clashes don't spill over.
Iraq warns US will be targeted if it meddles in Palestine
Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada of Iraq warned last week Washington against any interference in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
According to Lebanese news outlet Al-Ahed, the group stressed that "Palestine is not Ukraine" and that any interference or support the US extends to the Israeli entity would make US bases in the region targets for the Resistance.
The Group expressed that any support would be met with retaliation and zero red lines would remain uncrossed.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to "change the Middle East" in "Israel's" war on Gaza, as the occupation launched continuous airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
