Antony Blinken

In other words, reducing tensions and cooperating on issues of shared interest, like climate and de-escalation channels, while competing in all other areas.

Bloomberg further cited the officials as saying that such joint operations had increased in recent months. 

Both countries stressed the desire to avoid regional escalation and work towards a two-state solution.

The larger counterterrorism operation was conducted by IDF, Israel Security Authority, and Israel Prison Service forces.

US officials are skeptical about introducing a new hostage deal proposal as negotiations between Hamas and Israel stall, despite ongoing efforts with Qatar and Egypt.

Blinken will also meet with senior government officials to discuss issues including the Indo-Pacific, the AUKUS defense pact between the US, Australia, Britain and the Middle East.

IDF uncovers explosive lab under Jenin mosque • Anti-tank missiles strike Metula • Blinken says 90% of Gaza hostage deal is agreed •

Blinken also affirmed that if the IDF would indeed launch such a strike, Israel should not use it to broaden its attack on the terror group.

Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.

Both during Blinken's visit and in its aftermath, Netanyahu insisted that the IDF must remain in two critical security corridors in Gaza.