U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a mission to the Middle East, starting with a visit to Israel Today.

He is set to meet key Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss enhancing military cooperation.

“I’m going with a very simple and clear message … that the United States has Israel’s back,” Blinken told reporters before departing for Israel.

Blinken’s agenda also includes coordinating with regional U.S. allies to secure the release of over 100 individuals, some of them American citizens, whom Israel claims are held captive by Hamas.

At least 22 Americans lost their lives during the recent Hamas attacks, and Blinken expressed the possibility of this number increasing as efforts continue to account for other U.S. citizens.

Israel’s retaliatory air strikes have resulted in a significant number of casualties in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while the Israeli military reported killing over 1,000 Palestinian gunmen who infiltrated from Gaza.

Addressing concerns about civilian casualties, Blinken stated, “We know that Israel will take all of the precautions that it can, just as we would, and again that’s what separates us from Hamas and terrorist groups that engage in the most heinous kind of activities.”

Blinken’s primary objective is to convey a message of deterrence, primarily aimed at Iran and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah, to prevent a wider conflict.

Hezbollah has acted with caution since the conflict between Hamas and Israel began, conducting attacks at the Lebanese border but avoiding a full-scale confrontation.

Violence along the Israel-Lebanon border continued, with Israeli shelling responding to a rocket attack by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Blinken’s visit to Israel aligns with President Joe Biden’s commitment to provide additional aid and support as Israel launches a significant counteroffensive in the Gaza Strip.

The U.S. government aims to assist Israel in regaining control of its borders, securing the release of hostages, and diminishing Hamas’s operational capabilities.

In this endeavor, the United States has consulted with its Middle Eastern partners to prevent the conflict from escalating further and send a clear message to Iran, Hezbollah, and Palestinians in the West Bank.

Israel has made specific requests to the U.S., including the replenishment of missile interceptors, bombs, ammunition, and enhanced intelligence sharing, primarily focused on southern Lebanon.

Biden’s directive has been clear: provide Israel with everything needed to address Hamas’s attacks.

The U.S. has deployed military assets to the region, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, the USS Normandy cruiser, and four destroyers, along with munitions for Israel.

Blinken is set to explore additional resources that can be offered to Israel during his visit, reinforcing the message of solidarity and support for the nation during this challenging period.