US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for restraint in Lebanon and emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalatory actions in the Middle East that could hinder ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
During a news conference in Paris with French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, Blinken highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire for Gaza, describing it as both possible and necessary. He expressed concern over any actions that could exacerbate the situation and make achieving a ceasefire more challenging.
The Israel Defense Forces recently conducted strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in response to the explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members. Blinken refrained from commenting on the strikes but emphasized the US's commitment to finding a diplomatic resolution to the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Blinken acknowledged the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, noting that Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel since October 8, prompting retaliatory strikes from Israel. He stressed the importance of creating a secure environment that allows the populations on both sides of the border to return home.
The Secretary of State underscored the need for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues in northern Israel and southern Lebanon. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further violence and instability in the region.
