US says Blinken told Gallant that Mideast escalation ‘is in no party’s interest’

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Friday with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the State Department announces, saying the two “discussed ongoing efforts to deescalate tensions in the region.”

“The secretary reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security and discussed how escalation is in no party’s interest,” the US readout says.

According to the statement, Blinken “reiterated the urgent need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages, allow a surge of humanitarian assistance, and create the conditions for broader regional stability.”

“He also underscored the importance of reaching a diplomatic resolution that allows both Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes.”

The statement does not name Iran or Hezbollah, which are currently threatening to attack Israel over the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, fueling concerns of a broader regional conflict between Israel and the Iranian-led axis.