TEL AVIV, Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his latest diplomatic mission in the Middle East on Thursday, marked by public discord between the United States and Israel. This discord, perhaps the most pronounced since the onset of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza last October, underscored the challenges in finding common ground.

Concluding a tour spanning four nations in the Middle East, Blinken returned to Washington after encountering what seemed like a rebuff from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s statement, asserting that the conflict would persist until Israel achieves complete victory, appeared to dismiss Hamas’ response to a proposed cease-fire plan outright.

Tensions between Israel and its principal international ally, the United States, have been simmering for months. However, Netanyahu’s public dismissal of a plan endorsed by the U.S. as having merit, at least as a starting point for further negotiations, accentuated the divide.

Despite the setback, Blinken and other U.S. officials expressed optimism regarding their primary objectives. These goals include ameliorating humanitarian conditions for Palestinian civilians, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, preparing for Gaza’s post-conflict recovery, and preventing the conflict from escalating further.

Blinken’s optimism stemmed from previous visits to the region since October 7, none of which yielded immediate tangible results. However, they did contribute to modest yet notable enhancements in humanitarian aid delivery and a weeklong cease-fire in November, during which numerous hostages were released.

Blinken acknowledged that Hamas’ response to the cease-fire and hostage release proposal contained elements that were non-negotiable. Nevertheless, he emphasized the need to continue pursuing an agreement through negotiation and compromise.

However, Netanyahu’s recent remarks directly contradicted this sentiment. He labeled Hamas’ response as “delusional” and reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving “absolute victory” over the militant group.

Complicating matters further, Netanyahu appeared dismissive of concerns raised by the U.S. and others regarding Israel’s potential expansion of military operations in southern Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians reside.

Throughout his visit, Blinken also addressed Israel’s stance toward UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Netanyahu called for the agency’s dismantlement, citing alleged hostility toward Israel and accusations that some of its employees were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack that triggered the conflict.

Despite these challenges, Blinken urged Israelis not to let vengeance dictate their response, emphasizing the importance of preserving humanity amid the ongoing conflict.

Blinken’s visit coincided with the reception of Hamas’ counter-proposal to the cease-fire agreement framework. While both Qatar and Blinken acknowledged the proposal’s potential as a starting point for further negotiations, Netanyahu remained steadfast in his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state and asserted Israel’s intent to maintain security control over Gaza indefinitely.

In his closing remarks in Tel Aviv, Blinken reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic pathway toward a just and lasting peace in the region, including for Israel, while highlighting Saudi Arabia’s interest in normalizing relations contingent upon an end to the Gaza conflict and a viable path to Palestinian statehood.