White House spokesperson John Kirby warned on Sunday that further military escalation is not in Israel’s interests, following several days of heightened tension in the Middle East. His remarks, reported by France Presse, come after clashes between Israeli forces and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
“We do not believe that escalating this military conflict serves Israel’s interests,” Kirby told ABC News, stressing that the US has conveyed this message “directly” to its Israeli allies.
Saturday night saw intense cross-border exchanges between Hezbollah and the Israeli army. Israeli authorities vowed to restore calm in northern Israel, aiming to allow the return of tens of thousands of residents who fled the violence.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that he is “determined” to ensure the safe return of northern residents to their homes. He also praised recent Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, describing them as successful.
Kirby, speaking on behalf of the US National Security Council, emphasized that there remains “room” for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. “This is what we are working on,” he added, without providing further details.
Tensions have surged over the past few days, with dozens killed and thousands injured in Lebanon following a series of explosions attributed to Israeli forces. The attacks targeted Hezbollah communications equipment, intensifying the already volatile situation.
