On Sunday, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby spoke about how the US is still working to reach a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, despite recent developments.
When asked if all out war is inevitable by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Kirby said: “We believe that there are better ways to try to get those Israeli citizens back in their homes, up in the north, and to keep those who are there safe than a war, than an escalation, than opening up a second front on that border with Lebanon against Lebanon.”
Continuing on the topic, Kirby said: “We don’t believe that escalating this military conflict is in their best interest, it’s certainly not going to be in the best interest of all those people that Prime Minister Netanyahu says he wants to be able to send back home.”
Kirby acknowledged that no progress has been made in the last week or two torwards a ceasefire deal in Gaza, and placed the blame on Hamas, saying: “It doesn’t appear like Mr. Sinwar is prepared at all to keep negotiating in good faith, especially after he murdered six hostages in a tunnel execution style. So it doesn’t appear that he’s willing to move this forward.”
However, Kirby emphasized the US government’s goal of reaching such a deal, saying: “But it doesn’t mean that we’re not trying. You heard the President talk about this just a few days ago, things could be unrealistic until all of a sudden they are realistic and that’s why our team is still engaged with Qatar, Egypt, and the Israelis to see if they can move it forward.”
{Matzav.com}