Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, during a meeting with the Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, confirmed Washington’s position on the need for diplomatic measures to resolve the conflict with the Hezbollah group.
This was reported by The Times Of Israel.
Blinken expressed concern that increased military pressure on Hezbollah could make it difficult for evacuees in northern Israel to return to their homes.
The talks took place amid differences between the United States and the Israeli government over a 21-day ceasefire on the border with Lebanon. According to American sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially supported the initiative, but after criticism from his coalition he abandoned it and proposed focusing on the military fight against Hezbollah. In response, the White House expressed displeasure with this change in position and continued to insist on the importance of a peaceful agreement.
Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister had not formally agreed to a ceasefire, but stressed his support for US diplomatic efforts. Dermer, for his part, held further consultations with US representatives with the aim of reaching a compromise aimed at the safe return of residents of the northern border.
During his meeting with Dermer, Blinken highlighted the need for a 21-day ceasefire to ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. This initiative was developed by the United States together with France and supported by many countries. Its key objective is to create conditions for the release of hostages, a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the border with Israel.
Blinken said reaching a diplomatic agreement would allow civilians on both sides of the conflict to return to normal. However, further escalation will only complicate this process. He also expressed concern over the stalled ceasefire efforts in the Gaza Strip and discussed with the Israeli side possible measures to improve the humanitarian situation in the region.
The Secretary of State assured that the United States remains committed to guaranteeing Israel’s security and will continue to cooperate to achieve peace and stability.
Kursor previously reported that, according to Blinken, normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia is possible.
Blinken said when Saudi Arabia will agree to normalize relations with Israel.
