Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations expressed openness to ideas for easing conflicts with Lebanon Hezbollah amid intense fighting between the two sides.
On Tuesday, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, stated during the United Nations General Assembly that Israel is willing to consider ideas for easing tensions with Lebanon. The United States also mentioned exploring “specific ideas” with allies and partners the day before.
Danon told reporters that significant parties have proposed some ideas for conflict mitigation, and Israel is open to them, emphasizing a preference for diplomatic solutions over ground invasions.
This week, escalating battles between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon have raised concerns about a broader conflict erupting and destabilizing the Middle East. Meanwhile, the nearly year-long war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza continues.
Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to the northern border as Hezbollah continues to launch rockets at Israel to support Hamas. The Israeli government has pledged to secure the northern border and allow around 70,000 displaced residents to return home, prioritizing this as a warfront. Hezbollah, on the other hand, vows not to back down until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.
On Monday, a senior U.S. State Department official stated that the U.S. is discussing “specific ideas” with allies and partners to find a breakthrough to prevent further escalation of the fighting and ease tensions.
Danon emphasized that Israel takes these ideas seriously, maintaining that pressuring Lebanon’s government and people to halt aggression against Israel is still possible. He added that if Lebanon refrains from launching rockets at Israel, Israelis can return to their communities.
When asked about specific plans being actively discussed, Danon mentioned he could not disclose details at the moment.
President Biden, during a bilateral meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates in the Oval Office, stated that his team is closely aligned with counterparts in efforts to ease tensions and ensure people can safely return home.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell condemned the shocking death toll from Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and urged the UN Security Council to intervene. Borrell stressed the urgent need to find a path to prevent further war, emphasizing an immediate ceasefire by both sides.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Hezbollah to halt the fighting immediately. Jordan expressed support for Lebanon and called on the UN to take action. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated that Israel’s actions are pushing the region towards a full-scale war due to the failure of the international community to uphold its laws and values.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, warned that Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon will have “dangerous consequences.”
(This article references reports from Reuters and CNN)