During his ongoing visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu conveyed to Blinken that if Hamas persists in seeking a “complete cessation of attacks,” Israel will initiate a ground offensive targeting Rafah city in the Gaza Strip, ruling out the possibility of a ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu’s message was delivered during a private meeting with Blinken followed by discussions between their respective delegations.