US Secretary of State Emphasizes Washington's Commitment to Israel's Security While Seeking Ceasefire in Gaza

On Tuesday, June 18, during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the United States' commitment to Israel's security while also working towards a ceasefire in Gaza and preventing the escalation of conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Blinken stated, "Israel faces multiple threats and challenges, including Hezbollah in the north, the Islamic Republic in Iran, the Houthis in the Red Sea, and other groups," adding, "As the President of the United States has clearly stated, we will do everything we can to ensure that Israel's needs for effective self-defense against these threats are met." In another part of his remarks, he emphasized that "one of the main goals of the United States since October 7 has been to prevent the escalation of conflicts in the region, especially in southern Lebanon," stating, "No one wants tensions to rise and conflicts to escalate. I believe Israel, Hezbollah, the Islamic Republic, and Lebanon also do not want to see the war expand. However, miscalculations can occur, and all efforts must be made to prevent this situation and find a diplomatic solution." Blinken further highlighted the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza, noting, "The quickest way to strengthen diplomacy and allow people to return to their homes and live in safety is through a ceasefire in Gaza, and since Hezbollah also links its actions against Israel to Gaza, achieving a ceasefire could facilitate a diplomatic solution to the crisis at Israel's northern borders." The US Secretary of State also referred to the suffering of Palestinian families, stating, "The entire world welcomed the proposals that the President of the United States put forward for peace, except for the Hamas group. Hamas must decide whether it cares about the interests of the Palestinians or its own interests. If Hamas continues its opposition, the people of Gaza will continue to suffer horrifically every day, and ultimately it is Hamas that must decide." Israel has warned of an imminent war with the Hezbollah group in Lebanon. The US special envoy stated: "We want to prevent a 'wider war' at the Israel-Lebanon border." The US says the dissolution of Israel's war cabinet will not affect Washington's positions. The Israeli army warns that Hezbollah's provocations have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region. Netanyahu criticized the Israeli army's plan for a 'tactical pause' in operations in southern Gaza.