Blinken Urges Israel To Avoid Escalation with Iran, Pushes for Cease-fires in Gaza and Lebanon
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions with Iran after Tehran’s October 1 missile barrage, as he pushed for a Gaza cease-fire and an end to the fighting in Lebanon. His remarks came amid concerns that Israel’s expected retaliation against Iran could trigger further unrest across the region, possibly impacting global oil prices.
Speaking in Tel Aviv after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to capitalize on its recent military victories in both Gaza and Lebanon. “Now is the time to turn those successes into an enduring strategic success,” Blinken said, reiterating the importance of focusing on securing the release of hostages and laying the groundwork for post-war peace.
Blinken’s trip comes as Israel ramps up its military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, killing three of the group’s commanders and roughly 70 fighters in the past 48 hours. The US has pressed for cease-fires in both Gaza and Lebanon in the wake of Israel’s military advances, including the killing of key leaders like Hezbollah’s Hashem Safieddine and Hamas’ Yahya Sinwar.
Israel has also expanded evacuation orders for Lebanese civilians in Tyre, a key port city, as it continues its strikes against Hezbollah positions. Over 1.2 million Lebanese have already been displaced due to the conflict, according to the Lebanese government, with casualties rising steadily.
Washington views the death of Sinwar as a critical opportunity for advancing peace talks, though no immediate signs of a cease-fire have emerged. Israel remains firm in its position, stating it will not end the war until Hamas is completely annihilated in Gaza, nor cease fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon until the group no longer poses a threat.
