After major uptick in Israel-Hezbollah tensions, White House repeats support for diplomatic solution

After the previous day brought the most significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterates Biden administration talking points when asked to comment during an Air Force One gaggle with reporters.

“As it relates to the escalation that we’re seeing currently in the Middle East, we’re concerned,” Jean-Pierre says.

“The risk of escalation is real, and we continue to believe a diplomatic resolution is both achievable and urgent,” she continues. “Our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad and unwavering against all Iran backed threats, including Hezbollah.”

“The conflict along the Blue Line between Israel and Hezbollah has gone on for long enough. It’s in everyone’s interest to resolve it quickly and diplomatically, and that’s where we’ve been,” the White House spokesperson adds.

We need to see a diplomatic resolution. That’s what the President is going to continue to call for. That’s why we’ve been working around the clock, on the ceasefire deal, that hostage deal… We believe that by doing that, it would certainly help with the tensions in the region,” she says.