US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of diplomacy as Israel continues to bombard Lebanon, leading to a worsening crisis in the region. He stated that the choices made by all parties in the coming days will have profound consequences for the people of the region. The recent Israeli air strikes on Lebanon, which resulted in casualties and destruction, have escalated tensions in the area.
These attacks followed months of firings across the Lebanon-Israel border, with Hezbollah launching rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Despite the US and other countries proposing a ceasefire in Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the proposal and vowed to continue fighting until “total victory” is achieved.
Critics have accused the US administration of failing to pressure Israel to end its attacks, pointing out that Washington provides significant military assistance to Israel annually. Experts have criticized the Biden administration for its policies leading to the current crisis, stating that there have been no consequences for Israel’s actions despite repeated warnings.
Despite these criticisms, Blinken maintained that diplomacy is necessary and that the US will continue to work with all parties to urge them to choose this path. However, experts believe that the US is not serious about peace and diplomacy, as it has not exercised leverage over Israel to prevent further escalation. The ongoing crisis in Lebanon is seen as a result of the administration’s failed policies in the region.
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