US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli officials Thursday of the importance to avoid further escalation with Lebanon, the State Department said.
Blinken met with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, the department said in a statement.
Reiterating the US’s “ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security, Blinken discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of all hostages.
“The Secretary emphasized the need to take additional steps to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza and plan for post-conflict governance, security and reconstruction,” it added.
The meeting came after the Israeli army said Tuesday that it approved operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon.
US officials have been stressing that Washington does not want to see a wider regional war, and it has been urging all parties to restore calm along the border and to seek a diplomatic solution.
My impression/belief is indeed there is actual disagreement taking place. Israel looks to be trying to draw the US into fighting with both Lebanon and Iran. The US can’t afford these wars given what is taking place with Ukraine and the fact remains that China is the primary target of the US.
The US looks to be upping the ante large in Ukraine. That will be the subject of yet another posting.