'Real urgency' for a 'diplomatic solution' in Lebanon, says Blinken

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed Friday to work with "real urgency" for a diplomatic resolution to end Israel's offensive in Lebanon but said it was first critical to reach an understanding on disarming Hezbollah.

Meeting Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in London, Blinken also pleaded for the protection of civilians but stopped short of urging an immediate cease-fire by Israel, which relies on U.S. diplomatic and military support.

"We have a sense of real urgency in getting to a diplomatic resolution and the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, such that there can be real security along the border between Israel and Lebanon," Blinken told reporters, saying he was "intensely engaged."

Resolution 1701, approved in 2006 after the war in Lebanon, calls for the disarmament of non-state groups in Lebanon — an allusion to Hezbollah, which effectively runs its own military — and for a full Israeli withdrawal from the country.

Blinken said it was critical to "get the understandings that are necessary for the full implementation of 1701."

"The sooner we're able to do that, the sooner we're able to get a resolution," Blinken said.

He called for protection in the meantime of both civilians and Lebanese soldiers, at least 11 of whom have died since Israel launched its offensive a month ago.

"We want to make sure that in places like Beirut, there is a real effort to make sure that people are unharmed, and civilians are not caught up in this crossfire," Blinken said.

The Lebanese Army is 'essential'

The United States has called for the empowerment of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the fragile central government in Beirut so they can take charge of security and sideline Hezbollah.

Mikati made no remarks before the press when meeting Blinken.

However, according to a statement from Mikati’s press office, Blinken urged “all parties” to commit to “respecting international resolutions that ensure regional stability” and expressed Washington’s “support” for Lebanese state institutions, “particularly the army and security forces.” The Army, he noted, is “essential for implementing Resolution 1701.”

During his meeting with Blinken, Mikati emphasized the need to “prioritize a cease-fire,” accusing Israel of “violating international law by targeting civilians, journalists, and medical personnel.” He reaffirmed “Lebanon’s commitment to implementing U.N. Resolution 1701 as it stands, without amendments,” but stressed that achieving a cease-fire requires a “genuine commitment from Israel” to end its offensive.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, meeting separately with Blinken, told him that Lebanon's government has made clear it will implement Resolution 1701.

"The aggression on Lebanon has to stop immediately. Nothing justifies its continuation," Safadi said.