Senior White House officials are traveling to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss potential deals to end conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza. The officials, including Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein, will focus on a range of issues such as Gaza, Lebanon, hostages, and Iran. Commander of U.S. Central Command Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla and CIA Director William Burns are also visiting the Middle East and Cairo to discuss regional defense. There is optimism in Israel that a cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon could be reached without necessarily ending the war in Gaza. Despite Hezbollah’s insistence on truce with Hamas, Israel has achieved success against the militant group, including the assassination of its leader Hassan Nasrallah and limiting its ability to cause major damage with rockets. The security echelon in Israel feels that it is time to end the conflict with Hezbollah while ahead. The Biden administration and regional mediators are aiming to make progress in pausing fighting in Gaza, where Israel’s assault has caused alarm among global officials and aid groups.
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