Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on October 22, but neither party issued a joint statement nor held a press conference afterward. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the talks were described as “productive.” However, reports from foreign media indicate that there are significant disagreements between the U.S. and Israel regarding the resolution of the Gaza conflict and post-war reconstruction, suggesting that Blinken’s visit may not yield significant breakthroughs.

The U.S. State Department released information stating that during their discussions, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity presented by the death of Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar to secure the release of all hostages and to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. He noted that achieving lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinians requires a “new path” after the conflict, which would allow Palestinians to rebuild their lives while ensuring governance, security, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Blinken also urged Israel to enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza and ensure that assistance could reach the area.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the meeting lasted around two and a half hours and was described as friendly and productive, focusing on a governance framework for Gaza post-conflict. However, there remains a notable rift between the U.S. and Israel regarding the reconstruction plans for Gaza. The U.S. has expressed a desire for post-war governance to be led by the Palestinian Authority, in line with a two-state solution. On the same day Blinken arrived in Israel, the White House reiterated that “Palestinians cannot remain permanently displaced from Gaza,” and emphasized the necessity for the voices and aspirations of the Palestinian people to be central to Gaza’s governance. In contrast, Netanyahu reiterated the need to destroy Hamas but did not propose a clear reconstruction plan for Gaza or identify definitive milestones for ending the war.

Reports indicate that the Israeli government continues to oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state. Media outlets such as Al Jazeera and Singapore’s The Straits Times highlighted the stark contrast in statements from the U.S. and Israel after the meeting, with the U.S. stressing the need for a diplomatic solution to end the war, while Israel focused on the threats posed by Iran and the necessity of countering them. It appears that Blinken’s visit is unlikely to lead to major advancements.

Regarding Israel’s response to missile attacks from Iran and assaults from Hezbollah on Netanyahu’s residence, the White House reiterated America’s steadfast commitment to Israel’s security. Israeli media reported that the U.S. appeared to be trying to limit Israel’s responses to Iran and Hezbollah.

In related news, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated during a visit to Kuwait on October 22 that Iran does not seek war but is prepared for any conflict. He warned that if Israel attacks Iran in any form, Iran would respond equivalently. On the same day, Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, accused the U.S. of supporting and condoning Israel’s “illegal military aggression” against Iran and stated that the U.S. must bear full responsibility if Israel retaliates against Iran.

Hezbollah’s media office head, Afif, stated on October 22 that the group claims responsibility for the drone attack on Netanyahu’s residence and will continue to carry out similar attacks, stressing that Hezbollah would not engage in negotiations with Israel while hostilities are ongoing.

The Israel Defense Forces reported that on the night of October 22, they launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut, which included weapon depots, command centers, and underground military facilities.