US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the “urgent” need for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah organization in Lebanon. He also emphasized the “protection of civilians,” while notably refraining from calling for a ceasefire.
“We believe it’s critical to achieve a diplomatic resolution and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which would establish real security conditions on the Israel-Lebanon border,” Blinken stated following his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in London. He referred to calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament in line with the resolution.
“Meanwhile, we want to ensure civilian protection,” he continued. “We must safeguard the Lebanese Armed Forces from being caught in the crossfire and ensure efforts are made to keep civilians, especially in areas like Beirut, safe from the conflict.”
UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, effectively ended a previous conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, calling for a cessation of hostilities and restricting deployment in southern Lebanon’s border zone to the Lebanese army and peacekeepers.
Blinken is currently in the UK, meeting with Arab leaders after a recent tour of the Middle East. This marks his first tour of the region following the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israel—an event that Washington suggests could mark a turning point in the Gaza conflict and potentially serve as a pretext to end the war.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati did not issue a statement to the press following his meeting with Secretary Blinken.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
