Blinken Visits Egypt, but Skips a Stop in Israel NYT | Top Stories Michael Crowley 19 September 2024 at 01:37 The secretary of state is making his 10th visit to the Middle East since the Oct. 7 attacks. Until now, he has met with officials in Israel each time. © Pool photo by Evelyn HocksteinSecretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s decision not to visit Israel partly reflects a deadlock in efforts to strike a cease-fire deal in Gaza.