“It’s so important that we help defuse that conflict, not only prevent it from escalating, prevent it from spreading, but to defuse it because you have so many people in both countries, in both Israel and Lebanon, who’ve been displaced from their homes,” Blinken said.
The United States, Qatar and Egypt have sought to mediate in the dispute. But Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, have yet to forge a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday echoed Blinken’s statement. “Israel has every right to defend itself against Hezbollah like they do against Hamas,” Schumer told CBS News in an interview.
“I don’t think anyone wants a wider war. So I hope there are moves to de-escalate,” Schumer added.
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