US for Diplomatic Solution Amid Rising Tensions Between Israel, Hezbollah

News Desk

Washington: The United States is working on a diplomatic solution following recent hostilities along the border between Israel and Lebanon, which were triggered by a rocket attack that killed civilians in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. 

The US has attributed the attack to Hezbollah, although the group has denied responsibility.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that the rocket was launched from an area controlled by Hezbollah. 

The White House has been in continuous discussions with Israeli and Lebanese officials since the attack, which struck the Druze town of Majdal Shams and has heightened fears of a wider conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for maximum restraint from all parties and emphasized the need for a ceasefire. He urged adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to end hostilities and establish a demilitarized zone.

Iran has warned Israel of “unforeseen consequences” if it continues military actions in Lebanon. Western powers, including France, Germany, and Britain, have condemned the attack and called for calm, while the EU has demanded an independent investigation.

The Israeli military has retaliated by striking several targets in Lebanon. This escalation comes at a delicate time, as Israel and Hamas are negotiating a ceasefire to end a nearly 10-month war in Gaza and secure the release of around 110 hostages.

The rocket attack hit a football pitch in Majdal Shams, killing several youths. The Golan Heights, captured from Syria by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981, is considered occupied territory by the international community.

Since October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 500 deaths, including many civilians, while 22 Israeli soldiers and 24 civilians have been killed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently in the US, has vowed severe repercussions for Hezbollah. Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi stated that Israel is preparing for further action if necessary.

Lebanon’s government has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and condemned attacks on civilians. Iran’s spokesperson Nasser Kanaani warned that any aggressive actions by Israel could destabilize the region further.

An Egyptian official suggested that the attack might accelerate efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, linking the conflicts on both fronts. Discussions involving officials from the US, Egypt, and Qatar with Israeli leaders in Rome are ongoing to push for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.