Matthew Miller emphasised the U.S.’s preference for de-escalation, stating that both sides should refrain from escalating conflicts in the north…reports Asian Lite News
The United States has urged a diplomatic approach to address tensions in Lebanon, following Israel’s warning of continued pursuit of Hezbollah even amidst a potential Gaza ceasefire.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasised the U.S.’s preference for de-escalation, stating that both sides should refrain from escalating conflicts in the north.
He noted Israel’s public commitment to pursuing diplomacy and assured that the U.S. would continue to support diplomatic efforts to prevent the necessity of military action.
Miller acknowledged Israel’s legitimate security concerns, particularly regarding the thousands displaced near Lebanon, emphasising the need to address this issue. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been ongoing since October 7, triggered by a major attack by Hamas inside Israel.
Israel strikes Hezbollah site in Lebanon
Israeli warplanes carried out a strike on a Hezbollah military site in Lebanon on Tuesday, responding to a barrage of rockets launched by the armed group earlier in the day.
The Israeli army confirmed that approximately 35 rockets were detected crossing the border from Lebanon into the vicinity of Mount Meron, northern Israel, targeting a military Aerial Control Unit.
No injuries or damage have been reported, Xinhua news agency reported.
In a subsequent operation, Israeli fighter jets struck multiple military sites and infrastructure in Hanniyeh, Jibchit, Baisariyeh, and Mansouri in southern Lebanon.
Additionally, artillery fire was directed at the area of Yaroun to neutralize the source of the rocket attack, as stated in the official statement.
Hezbollah, in its statement, claimed that the rocket attack was in retaliation for an Israeli assault on Monday.
The previous day’s strike had targeted Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, killing two people.
