With fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah intensifying throughout the weekend, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said the U.S. is doing “everything we can to try to prevent this from becoming an all-out war there with Hezbollah across that Lebanese border.”
“We have been involved in extensive and quite assertive diplomacy,” Kirby told ABC’s “This Week” anchor George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.
Asked if escalation in the region is inevitable, Kirby replied that there are “better ways” to return Israeli citizens back to their homes to avoid a heightened conflict. On cease-fire negotiations, he told Stephanopoulos that “We are not achieving any progress here in the last week to two weeks.”
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby talks to reporters in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Sept. 18, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Kirby also reiterated that the U.S. was “not involved” in Israel’s covert pager and walkie-talkie attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon last week.
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In recent weeks, tensions in the Middle East have continued to escalate, prompting the United States to ramp up its diplomatic efforts in the region. John Kirby, the U.S. State Department spokesperson, recently addressed these ongoing efforts in a press conference, highlighting the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and working towards peaceful resolutions to conflicts in the region.
One of the key issues that Kirby addressed was the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine. The recent violence in Gaza has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, leading to widespread condemnation from the international community. In response to these developments, the U.S. has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a ceasefire between the two parties.
Kirby emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts in the Middle East, stating that “there is no military solution to the challenges facing the region.” He reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to working with all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence and instability in the region.
In addition to the situation in Israel and Palestine, Kirby also addressed other pressing issues in the Middle East, including the ongoing civil war in Syria and the nuclear negotiations with Iran. The U.S. has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address these complex challenges and promote stability and security in the region.
Despite the many obstacles and challenges facing the U.S. in the Middle East, Kirby expressed optimism about the potential for progress through diplomatic means. He stressed the importance of continued engagement and dialogue with all parties involved, emphasizing that diplomacy is the best way to address conflicts and promote peace in the region.
Overall, John Kirby’s recent statements underscored the U.S. government’s commitment to diplomatic solutions in the Middle East. As tensions continue to rise and conflicts persist, it is clear that sustained diplomatic efforts will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges facing the region and promoting stability and security for all parties involved.
