US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed strong support for Israel’s ongoing military actions against Hezbollah, describing the situation as part of a legitimate response to the group’s attempt to open a second front in the ongoing conflict. Speaking to reporters after the 12th ASEAN-US Summit in Vientiane on Friday, Blinken emphasized that Israel has a “clear and very legitimate interest” in defending itself against attacks.
The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which saw 2,500 terrorists breach Israel’s border, resulting in widespread casualties and the abduction of hostages. The following day, Hezbollah launched its own offensive from Lebanon, firing rockets and other munitions into northern Israel. Blinken noted that these attacks had forced 70,000 Israelis to flee their homes, further intensifying the situation in the region.
“When the horror of October 7 happened, the next day Hezbollah joined in, trying to create another front,” Blinken said, adding that Israel’s response to these assaults was necessary. He stressed the importance of allowing civilians to return home safely, both in northern Israel and southern Lebanon.
Blinken acknowledged that many residents of southern Lebanon had also been displaced due to Hezbollah’s actions and Israel’s subsequent counterattacks. “We all have a strong interest in trying to help create an environment in which people can go back to their homes and live there safely and securely,” he remarked.
Blinken made clear that while the US supports Israel’s right to defend itself against threats from both Hezbollah and Hamas, it also expects caution in ensuring civilian safety. “It’s also vitally important that in doing that, they focus on making sure that civilians are protected and, again, are not being caught in a terrible crossfire,” he added.
On October 9, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted precision strikes on two key Hezbollah sites in Beirut’s Dahieh district, targeting a weapons production facility and an intelligence headquarters. The IDF reported that these sites were deliberately positioned near civilian infrastructure, including schools and mosques, creating heightened risks for the local population. The IDF emphasized that residents were warned to evacuate before the strikes.
The US, while backing Israel’s military actions, continues to push for a diplomatic solution. Blinken underscored that the best way to achieve lasting peace is through diplomacy, noting that efforts toward a negotiated understanding have been in the works for some time.