Blinken backs Israel | Criminals could go free as prisons fill up

The United States has re-affirmed its support for Israel in the wake of the brutal attacks by Hamas, sending its most senior diplomat Antony Blinken to Tel Aviv.<br /><br />It’s his first stop on a tour of the Middle East, in an effort by the US to stop the conflict spreading. <br /><br />Mr Blinken indicated the US will back Israel’s bid to destroy the militant group but warned it must “take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.”<br /><br />Today, on Sky News Daily Tom Cheshire speaks with international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn from Jerusalem, about how big a threat escalation in the region is.<br /><br />Plus, Sky News home editor Jason Farrell and former prison governor Vanessa Frake-Harris look at the crisis in prisons, after news judges will now delay sending convicted criminals to overcrowded jails. <br /><br />Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce <br />Podcast producer: Sydney Pead <br />Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi <br />Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku <br />Editor: Wendy Parker