Blinken: US and Partners Working Tirelessly to Avoid Full-Blown War in Lebanon, According to Reuters

By Humeyra Pamuk

NEW YORK – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed on Wednesday that the potential for escalation in the Middle East is “acute.” He emphasized that the United States and its allies are striving diligently to prevent an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned militant group based in Lebanon.

“Regarding Lebanon, we are collaborating closely with partners to avert a full-blown conflict and pursue a diplomatic approach that will allow both Israelis and Lebanese to safely return to their homes,” Blinken stated at the opening of a meeting with senior officials and ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council in New York.

He continued, “The risk of escalation in the region is severe. The optimal solution is diplomacy, and our coordinated efforts are essential to prevent further escalation.”

A senior official from the State Department noted that the U.S. and its allies are actively discussing concrete proposals this week alongside the U.N. General Assembly in New York, which gathers numerous heads of state and senior officials.

On Wednesday, Israel expanded its airstrikes in Lebanon and intercepted a missile that Hezbollah claimed was launched at the headquarters of the Israeli spy agency, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the two adversaries.

The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have increased in tandem with Israel’s military operations in Gaza against Hamas, with rising casualties in Lebanon and thousands of individuals being displaced from their homes.

The U.S. has been working for several months to broker a ceasefire agreement in Gaza aimed at securing the release of hostages, though achieving such a deal has been challenging. U.S. officials believe that a successful ceasefire could also help de-escalate tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.

“It is crucial that all involved parties are urged to make the necessary decisions to finalize this agreement. This remains the most effective way to bring hostages home, provide relief to the affected population, and help mitigate tensions in other areas,” Blinken remarked.

Tensions flared on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 250 others, marking a new chapter in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In retaliation, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 40,000 deaths according to Palestinian sources, devastating the already fragile region.