US wants Lebanon solution, not more 'conflict'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced hope yesterday for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and preventing a broader conflict, as he backed efforts by the fragile state to assert itself against Hezbollah.

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Blinken again said that Israel, which has been carrying out deadly strikes on Lebanon, "has a right to defend itself" against Hezbollah, but voiced alarm over the humanitarian situation.

"We continue to engage intensely to prevent broader conflict in the region," Blinken told reporters after an East Asia Summit in Laos.

"We all have a strong interest in trying to help create an environment in which people can go back to their homes, their safety and security, kids can go back to school,” he said.

"So, Israel has a clear and very legitimate interest in doing that. The people of Lebanon want the same thing.