"CIA Director's Middle East Visit Amid Escalating Israel-Hamas War"

C.I.A. Director William J. Burns has arrived in Israel for discussions with leaders and intelligence officials, as the United States urges Israel to pursue a more targeted approach in its conflict with Hamas, allow pauses in the fighting, and minimize civilian casualties. The visit aims to expand intelligence sharing and reinforce American commitment to cooperation in the region. Burns will also travel to other Middle Eastern countries to discuss the situation in Gaza, ongoing hostage negotiations, and the need to prevent the war from escalating further. U.S. officials have been visiting Israel regularly since the conflict began, with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently making a similar case to Israeli officials.