Secretary of State Antony Blinken told “Good Morning America” on Wednesday that the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon “must be contained.”
“We’re working to make sure this doesn’t turn into a full-scale war,” Blinken said. Asked if he believes such an escalation can be prevented, Blinken said: “I do.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during an event in support of the “Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats” on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United National General Assembly in New York City on September 24, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
“Israel has a legitimate problem that it needs to solve,” Blinken said, noting Hezbollah’s near-constant cross-border attacks since Oct. 8 and the subsequent evacuation of parts of northern Israel.
Blinken also acknowledged those who fled their homes during Israeli reprisals in southern Lebanon.
The “best way” to deal with Israel’s problems in the north, Blinken continued, “is through diplomacy.”
There were “a number of times” where full-scale war on the shared border between Israel and Lebanon appeared imminent since Oct. 7, Blinken said. “Diplomacy from the United States prevented that from happening.”
“But if there were to be a full-scale war, it wouldn’t solve the problem.”
President Joe Biden and his top administration officials say they are working hard to escalate the situation in Lebanon.
In a speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Biden condemned Hezbollah’s “unprovoked” attacks on Israel since October 8.
“Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israel-Lebanon border are still on the run,” the president said.
“All-out war is not in anyone’s interest,” he added. “Even as the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible. Indeed, allowing the residents of both countries to return to their homes at the border safely remains the only path to lasting security.”
“That is what we are working tirelessly to achieve,” Biden said.
-ABC News’ David Brennan