Blinken's Middle East Tour: Return to Israel Amidst Gaza Crisis

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will extend his Middle East tour by a day and return to Israel on Monday as Israel prepares for a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. Blinken has been engaging in shuttle diplomacy, visiting six Arab countries and seeking cooperation from Arab allies and China to contain the conflict. He recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who stressed the need to find ways to stop the conflict and lift the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Washington is concerned about the conflict spreading and has warned Iran to stay out of it.