"To Avoid Escalation in Lebanon": Blinken Emphasizes Need for Diplomatic Solution

The U.S. State Department announced that "Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed to Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer the commitment to Israel's security." The department stated: "Blinken emphasized the necessity of reaching an agreement that ensures the release of hostages and alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people." It added that "Blinken discussed with Hanegbi and Dermer steps to resolve outstanding issues in the ceasefire negotiations." It affirmed that "Blinken addressed the importance of avoiding escalation along the Israeli-Lebanese border and reaching a diplomatic solution."