High-Stakes Diplomacy Amid Middle East Tensions

Israeli Minister Ron Dermer and U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken are set to meet in Washington to discuss ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The meeting is scheduled as efforts for a Gaza truce face challenges with Qatar exiting as mediator. Meanwhile, Israel reports progress in Lebanon ceasefire talks.

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Monday, the State Department announced. The high-profile meeting is slated for 1700 ET, according to the department's public schedule.

This interaction comes at a critical moment as hopes for a truce in Israel's war in Gaza suffer setbacks. The situation has been complicated further by Qatar's decision to withdraw its mediation role in the negotiations.

In a parallel development, Israel has reported progress in its talks about a ceasefire in Lebanon, adding another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics at play.

(With inputs from agencies.)