In talks with Israeli, Palestinian leaders, US president notes need to protect civilians, allow humanitarian aid; Blinken meets host of Arab officials in push to avert escalation

Saudis 'told us they're not brokers between us and Israel. They're our partners,' Palestinian official says, expressing confidence Riyadh won't forget their cause

Yasser Abbas's inclusion in talks with Saudi, US officials 'jarring' given his lack of formal role, says scholar; sides didn't issue trip readout, allowing presence to go unnoticed

US top diplomat's trip would include stops in Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia, but the trip has not yet been finalized, Israeli officials tell ToI

Next week's General Assembly confab organized with Arab League, EU is latest Riyadh effort to engage in Palestinian issue amid normalization talks; Israeli, PA missions not invited

PA delegation has several demands, but Riyadh is still studying the issue and will take months to decide which of them to put on the table in talks with the US on peace with Israel

US secretary of state says Riyadh has made clear that Palestinian component is critical; says point of deal is to promote peace, not boost any specific current leaders

Smotrich calls emergency meeting of Religious Zionism party; Ben Gvir calls on PM to publicly disavow reports or 'face consequences'; defense minister says no arms were transferred

Shipment facilitated by Jordan with approval from hardline Israeli government, which is hoping Ramallah will be able to regain control over Nablus, Jenin areas, according to report

Jake Sullivan says sides have come to 'broad understanding of many of the key elements' of an agreement, but there's no framework or terms ready to be signed