Blinken’s visit follows Britain’s suspension of certain arms export licenses to Israel a week earlier, due to concerns that the equipment might be used in the Gaza conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to the United Kingdom on Monday for a two-day visit to launch the U.S.-UK Strategic Dialogue, as announced by the State Department. His trip comes in the wake of Britain’s recent suspension of some arms export licenses to Israel, due to concerns that the equipment might be used in the Gaza conflict.
During his visit, Blinken will meet with senior UK officials to discuss important issues, including the Indo-Pacific region, the AUKUS defense pact involving the U.S., UK, and Australia, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The talks will also address Middle East tensions, particularly the situation in Gaza.
Britain has suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns that the equipment could be used in violation of international humanitarian law. This suspension has intensified global scrutiny, including within the U.S., where the Biden administration faces pressure to reconsider arms deliveries to Israel.
Blinken’s visit aims to reaffirm the strong U.S.-UK relationship and tackle pressing global security challenges. Previously, he urged Hamas to accept a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. This appeal followed a “very constructive” meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, where Blinken emphasized that the latest efforts to secure an agreement might be the best and possibly last opportunity for both sides
(With inputs from Reuters)