US again distances itself from Lebanon attacks, says still committed to diplomatic solution

As it did yesterday, the US stresses that it was not involved in today’s mass detonation of devices belonging to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.

“We were not involved in yesterday’s incidents or today’s in any way,” White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says during a press briefing, repeatedly declining to comment further on the matter.

Speaking more broadly, Kirby says the White House will continue its efforts to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah from broadening and thinks that diplomacy is the best path for doing so.

Asked whether the blasts targeting Hezbollah will harm the ongoing hostage talks between Israel and Hamas, the White House spokesperson says it is too early to tell, while lamenting that “we aren’t any closer to [a deal] now than we were even a week ago.”

Kirby announces that UAE President Mohammad bin Zayed will be visiting the White House next Monday, where he will meet with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Their meetings will include discussions regarding the war in Gaza, he says.