US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are joined by close aides in their meeting in Jerusalem, says the Prime Minister’s Office, Paralel.Az reports citing Times of Israel.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi joined Netanyahu, while Blinken’s Counselor Derek Chollet joined on the US side.

The five-way meeting is followed by an expanded format.

Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, Military Secretary Roman Gofman, Political Adviser Ophir Falk, and hostage pointman Gal Hirsh join, as do US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues Lisa Grande, and Deputy Chief of Mission Stephanie L. Hallett.

US Ambassador Jack Lew is out of the country.