Blinken Warns Israel That Escalation Will Complicate Civilian Return, Reports Reuters

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed to Israel that escalating the conflict with Lebanon would impede civilians from returning home on both sides of the border, according to the State Department.

In defiance of global calls for a ceasefire, Israel continued its military actions against the Hezbollah movement, leading to significant casualties in Lebanon and increasing apprehensions of a broader regional conflict.

Despite Israel’s rejection of the ceasefire appeals, both the United States and France are striving to maintain the possibility of a proposed 21-day truce, initiated on Wednesday, while negotiations are ongoing, including discussions in conjunction with a United Nations meeting in New York.

"The Secretary emphasized the necessity of securing a 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border," stated the State Department regarding Blinken’s discussions with Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. It was further highlighted that further escalation of the conflict would complicate the goal of civilian repatriation.

Additionally, the State Department mentioned that Blinken addressed efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and outlined measures that Israel should consider to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid in the region, where nearly all of the 2.3 million residents are displaced and facing a severe hunger crisis.

President Joe Biden previously proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan for Gaza; however, complications have arisen, primarily due to Israeli demands concerning their presence in the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt and challenges related to the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Amid rising global and domestic scrutiny regarding its support for Israel during the conflict escalation in Lebanon, Washington has been facing mounting pressure. Critics argue that the U.S. has not effectively used its aid to urge Israel towards accepting ceasefire proposals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.

The recent surge of violence in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict was ignited on October 7, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly led to more than 41,000 fatalities, as per Palestinian health authorities.