Blinken discusses de-escalation in Middle East with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (photo: Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer regarding the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, according to the US State Department's website.
The head of US diplomacy met with Dermer on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
During the meeting, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on a 21-day ceasefire along the Israeli-Lebanese border, proposed by the EU and several Western countries, as well as a diplomatic resolution that would allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
“And a diplomatic settlement that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes. He underscored that further escalation of the conflict will only make that objective more difficult,” Blinken stated after the meeting.
The US Secretary also discussed ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which would facilitate the release of hostages, alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, and create conditions to end the war.
Blinken stressed that all parties must make the difficult decisions necessary to reach an agreement. He also addressed the steps Israel needs to take to improve the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Risk of a large-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah
In recent weeks, tensions have escalated between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Militants have been shelling northern Israel almost daily, prompting the IDF to retaliate with strikes on southern Lebanon.
Israel has repeatedly announced plans to deploy troops into Lebanon and return the residents of northern regions of the country to their homes. Recently, the Israeli Air Force launched strikes on 1,300 Hezbollah targets.
The US has warned of a high likelihood of a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon.
The White House has ramped up efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East.
The US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, Qatar, and the European Union have offered Israel and Hezbollah a 21-day ceasefire agreement along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
President Joe Biden discussed this agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron.
However, on September 26, Israel rejected the proposal for a temporary ceasefire against Hezbollah. The IDF has initiated a new wave of airstrikes on militant targets in Lebanon.
