U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's recent visit to Egypt marks his 10th trip to the Middle East since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. Notably, he chose not to visit Israel on this occasion, breaking a pattern of meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his regional visits. This decision reflects a stalemate in cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. is working on a new proposal to bridge the gap between the two parties and facilitate a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. However, recent interactions between Blinken and Netanyahu have been strained, with the Israeli leader publicly contradicting U.S. positions. This dynamic has led to skepticism in Washington about Netanyahu's commitment to reaching a cease-fire agreement. Despite concerns over escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Blinken's visit to the region remained focused on Egypt and the Gaza conflict. The U.S. and Israel have been at odds over key issues, such as the Philadelphi Corridor, with Netanyahu emphasizing the need for demilitarization in Gaza. The Biden administration's efforts to broker a cease-fire are facing challenges, as Netanyahu's actions have often diverged from U.S. expectations. The lack of progress in negotiations has prompted a reevaluation of diplomatic strategies, with Blinken's decision not to visit Israel signaling a pause in active promotion of a specific agenda. Overall, the article highlights the complexities and tensions surrounding U.S.-Israel relations and the challenges in achieving a lasting peace in the region.