US seeks deal to avoid war between Lebanon and Israel – DW – 06/25/2024

The US has said it is actively seeking a diplomatic deal this Tuesday (06/25/2024). Return to peace on the Lebanon-Israel borderA war there would have disastrous consequences.

“We urgently look for a diplomatic agreement that will restore lasting peace on Israel’s northern border and allow civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to return safely to their homes,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told his Israeli counterpart. , Yoav Gallant.

The two met at the Pentagon on the second day of Gallant’s visit to Washington, where earlier in the day he had spoken with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and CIA Director Bill Burns.

Others Conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militia HezbollahAccording to Austin, “This could easily turn into a regional war with serious consequences for the Middle East, so diplomacy is the best way to prevent further escalation.”

The Israeli military has engaged in escalating violence alongside Hezbollah The border with Lebanon has raised fears of an open war in recent weeks, after clashes in Gaza sparked daily firefights along the dividing line between the two countries on October 8.

Austin said he was “very concerned about the escalation of attacks and escalation of tensions” by pro-Iranian militants. “The rocket hits Hezbollah They mean more suffering for more than 60,000 Israelis who have been displaced from their homes and tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese. “Their provocations threaten to drag the Israeli and Lebanese people into a war they do not want,” he warned.

The US Defense Secretary stressed that his country will always support Israel in its right to self-defense, and this includes “ensuring that Iran, a source of violence and instability in the region, can never acquire a nuclear weapon”.

Gallant stressed, “Even though they are working together to reach an agreement, they need to talk about it as well Preparation to deal with all possible situations“.

This is Gallant’s second visit to the Pentagon since the October 7th Hamas attack against Israel.

(efe, afp/mn)