U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a press conference in Israel, where he was visiting, and said that the Israeli military is intensifying fighting with Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim organization in neighboring Lebanon, in addition to ground operations in the Gaza Strip, "Israel also does not want to increase tensions in the region," and expressed hope that the Israeli side will ease tensions by diplomatic means.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is visiting Israel, held a press conference on the 9th after meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant.
In addition to the ground operation against the Islamic group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Blinken said that "no country, including Israel, wants to escalate tensions in the region," referring to the Israeli military's intensification of fighting with neighboring Lebanon's Hezbollah since the beginning of this month.
"We believe that the diplomatic path is the best way to achieve security, and the Israeli government has stated that it will pursue it," he said, emphasizing that the Israeli side has expressed its intention to seek a diplomatic solution, and expressed hope for the easing of tensions.
However, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister Gallant said in a meeting with Secretary Blinken that "diplomatic means are better, but military means are also being prepared" regarding Hezbollah, and it is unclear whether it will actually lead to a reduction in tensions.
On the other hand, regarding the successive attacks on ships by Yemeni rebels and Houthis, Secretary Blinken said, "If the Houthis continue to attack, they will be rewarded," suggesting the possibility of retaliatory measures by the United States and other countries.