US doesn't want new front, escalation in north with Lebanon: Kirby

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media + Agencies
18 Jun 2024 00:27

The White House National Security Council spokesperson claims that the US is exerting diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation and large-scale war on the Lebanese border.

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White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, on January 31, 2024. (AFP)

The United States wants neither another front to be opened nor an escalation in the north with Lebanon, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed.

At a press conference held earlier today, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby was asked if the US still believes that a full-blown war with Lebanon can be prevented, to which he answered that Hochstein was sent to the region for that particular reason.

“If we were so sure of that, we probably wouldn’t have Amos traveling over there. We’re concerned about it obviously,” Kirby replied, referring to Amos Hochstein, the senior assistant to US President Joe Biden, who is in al-Quds for talks with Israeli officials allegedly to try and stop a further escalation in the North.

"We don't want to see escalation, second front in Israel war and we are concerned about it," he further reiterated.

On his part, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated later, "Our level of concern hasn’t really changed; it continues to be something that we’ve been worried about.”

Days ago, a senior official in the US administration expressed his country’s deep concern regarding an escalation on the northern front with Lebanon, stressing that “Washington held several emergency [indirect] talks between Lebanon and Israel to avoid a full-scale war.”

It is worth noting that Miller reiterated on June 13 in a press briefing, "But again, the – a ceasefire in Gaza would be the best way, in our assessment, to advance a meaningful resolution in the north of Israel along that border."

In a related but different context, Kirby said that following Gantz's departure he was not sure Netanyahu had many choices on the war cabinet.

Kirby's comments reflect the deepening divide within "Israel", which is becoming increasingly apparent as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the disbanding of the war cabinet on Sunday, according to reports released on Monday, in a move widely anticipated following the departure of Benny Gantz from the government.

This growing schism threatens to tear "Israel" apart, bringing to light the challenges faced by political and military establishments amid the entity's entanglement in a multi-front war with varying intensities.

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Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz announced on June 9 in a televised address his resignation from the Israeli war cabinet, calling it a "painful decision".

"Leaving the government is a complex and painful decision," he said. He underlined that the Israeli regime was dealing hesitantly with existential issues based on the political interests of a few.

Gantz also acknowledged the failure to secure the release of Israeli captives from Gaza, emphasizing that "true victory prioritizes the return of hostages over political considerations."

Highlighting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role in obstructing a genuine victory, Gantz admitted that "there will be no quick and easy victory" and warned that "the war will continue for years."