Blinken says US wants a solution in Lebanon, not ‘broader conflict’

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voices hope for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and preventing a broader conflict, as he backs efforts by the fragile state to assert itself against Hezbollah.

Blinken again says that Israel, which has been carrying out extensive and deadly strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, “has a right to defend itself” against the terror group, but says he is alarmed by the worsening humanitarian situation.

“We continue to engage intensely to prevent broader conflict in the region,” Blinken tells reporters after an East Asia Summit in Laos.

“We all have a strong interest in trying to help create an environment in which people can go back to their homes, their safety and security, kids can go back to school,” he says.

“So Israel has a clear and very legitimate interest in doing that. The people of Lebanon want the same thing. We believe that the best way to get there is through a diplomatic understanding, one that we’ve been working on for some time, and one that we focus on right now.”

Blinken also speaks by phone with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, according to a statement from the US State Department.

Lebanon’s presidency has been vacant for two years, and Blinken stresses “the need to empower leadership that reflects the will of the people for a stable, prosperous, and independent Lebanon.”

He says that “Lebanon cannot allow Iran or Hezbollah to stand in the way of Lebanon’s security and stability.”

The statement does not mention discussions on a possible ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group.

Blinken says the United States will work to support the fragile Lebanese state to build itself up after Hezbollah’s long-held sway.

“It’s clear that the people of Lebanon have an interest — a strong interest — in the state asserting itself and taking responsibility for the country and its future,” he says.