U.S. National Security Advisor's Visit to Saudi Arabia and Israel to Assess Regional Situation

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, met with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the Gaza conflict and other regional issues. Sullivan, who is set to travel to Israel on Thursday and Friday, emphasized the need for broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the region and prevent the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas during his discussions with Saudi officials. It is reported that continuing diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the Middle East, prevent the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and work towards a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia were key topics of Sullivan's negotiations in Saudi Arabia. He is also seeking cooperation with Saudi Arabia to counter Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and aims to focus on joint U.S.-Saudi efforts to establish lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. According to John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator, Sullivan will also discuss with Israeli officials the need for more 'planned' attacks against Hamas and ways to reduce civilian casualties during his visit to Israel. Jake Sullivan is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of the war cabinet, and President Isaac Herzog during this trip. Kirby also stated that the National Security Advisor will address humanitarian aid to Gaza and the 'next phase of military operations' while discussing efforts to reduce civilian casualties. President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday that Israel is losing support due to its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and that Prime Minister Netanyahu should change his hardline cabinet. Hamas and Islamic Jihad killed at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in a terrorist attack on October 7 in southern Israel and took around 240 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and several other countries have classified Hamas and Islamic Jihad as terrorist organizations. The U.S. Treasury Department is serious about disrupting the financial relationship between Hamas and the Islamic Republic. Israel intends to clear Hamas's underground tunnels by pumping seawater. Austin is heading to the region amid attacks by Iranian proxy groups against U.S. forces. The U.S. has stated that an early ceasefire at this juncture would mean the survival of Hamas and a repeat of attacks similar to those on October 7 against Israel. Israel reported the deaths of 10 of its soldiers in Gaza. Joe Biden met with the families of American hostages held by Hamas.