US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in separate discussions on Friday with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri amidst ongoing Israeli military operations in the country, which included deadly strikes in Beirut on Thursday.
According to State Department reports of both conversations, Blinken reaffirmed the US' dedication to achieving a diplomatic resolution to the conflict along the Blue Line, a boundary established by the United Nations in 2000 to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces, spanning approximately 120 kilometers.
The top US diplomat emphasized the enduring support of the United States for Lebanese institutions that can contribute to stabilizing the country, particularly highlighting the Lebanese Armed Forces. He also urged Lebanon not to permit Iran or Hezbollah to impede the nation's security.
In both dialogues, Blinken addressed the issue of the presidential vacancy in Lebanon, stressing the importance of appointing a leader who mirrors the desires of the people for a stable, prosperous, and independent Lebanon.
Notably, neither conversation mentioned the deadly Israeli strikes in Beirut or the ongoing ground operations in southern Lebanon.
