Blinken: Israel and Hezbollah must also 'stop shooting'

(Patria) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday again called for a ceasefire in Lebanon, saying the diplomatic path remained open, although Israel ignored calls to stop attacks on Hezbollah, Reuters reported.

"The choices that both sides make in the coming days will determine which path this region takes, with profound consequences for its people, now and perhaps for years to come," Blinken told a press conference, concluding a week of talks at the United Nations.

"The path to diplomacy may seem difficult to see at this moment, but it is there, and in our assessment, it is necessary," Blinken said, promising that the US would "continue to work intensely with all parties" to encourage a ceasefire. "The most important thing to do diplomatically is to first try to stop the shooting in both directions," he said.

If a truce comes, all parties can work towards "achieving a broader diplomatic agreement," he said.

However, he warned of US interests.

"Anyone who uses this to target American personnel, American interests in the region, the United States will take all measures to defend our people."

Israel, which relies on American weapons, rejected the call and vowed to crush Hezbollah, striking densely populated southern Beirut on Friday and warning residents to evacuate. Blinken said Israel had the right to self-defense, but added that diplomacy was a better solution.

"The question is not, does Israel have the right to deal with existential threats to its security and enemies across its borders with the public intention of destroying Israel? Of course, it does. But the question is, what is the best way to achieve its goals?" Blinken said.