US: Using Lebanon as launchpad puts Lebanese at risk, increases potential for further instability in country

The White House joins the State Department in expressing its concern following the escalation in East Jerusalem and on the Israel-Lebanon border.

“We remain extremely concerned by the continuing violence and we urge all sides to avoid further escalation,” a White House National Security Council spokesperson tells The Times of Israel.

“The President has been fully briefed, and Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides and others throughout the US government continue their regular dialogue with Israel on this and other matters of mutual concern.”

“As the State Department reiterated just yesterday, we stand firmly for preservation of the historic status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem,” the spokesperson continues.

“We also condemn the launch of rockets at Israel. Using Lebanon as a launchpad for rocket attacks against Israel only puts the Lebanese people at risk and increases the potential for further instability in the country,” they say. “Our commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad. We recognize Israel’s legitimate right to defend its people and territory against all forms of aggression.”

“We urge all sides to avoid further escalation. As the President has made clear, Israelis and Palestinians both deserve to live safely and securely and to enjoy equal measures of security, prosperity, and freedom.”