Touting Abraham Accords, US secretary of state says ties will have practical benefits, expects other counties to notice advantages and seek to join in

Announcement comes a day after Blinken's meeting with Abu Dhabi crown prince, two days after call with Saudi FM as US seeks to calm their frustrations over lack of support

Top US envoy arrives after trip to country's arch-rival Morocco, which normalized ties with Israel under a deal that sparked renewed tensions over disputed Western Sahara

US calls violence 'unacceptable,' UN chief says it can 'never be justified'; EU 'stands with Israel'; Germany urges strong condemnation from all to prevent 'a new escalation'

State Department says Iran nuclear program, Yemen discussed; kingdom's state media says US secretary of state spoke with Prince Faisal on regional security cooperation

The Biden administration clearly can't quit the Middle East, and though determined to sign a deal with Iran, it is once again playing an active role

Monarch makes first trip to Ramallah since 2017; Gantz had reportedly sought to join meeting, but was blocked by Bennett

PM feels well; Bennett held unmasked meeting with Blinken before US top diplomat went to Ramallah, Negev Summit; PM, Shabtai attended situation assessment in wake of Hadera attack

While euphoria over historic meeting quickly fades, scheduled talks will still take place to address urgent issues like Iranian threat

Before joining counterparts in Sde Boker, Blinken holds talks with Abbas, who slams 'double standard' in desire to adhere to international law in Ukraine, not Palestine