An initiative led by France and Britain to secure a UN Security Council statement calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon has hit a roadblock due to objections from the United States. Washington is concerned about any implication that both Israel and Hezbollah share equal blame for the recent crisis, which has resulted in numerous casualties.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized that Israel faces legitimate threats, particularly from Hezbollah, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7. Initially, there were hopes that the Security Council meeting scheduled for late Wednesday might be postponed to reach an agreement on a joint statement, but those expectations are dwindling.
During a G7 dinner on Tuesday night, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy publicly called for a ceasefire to end the fighting. They had also advocated for a ceasefire in meetings with allies in Paris the previous week.
European officials noted that the US is pursuing a more complicated approach and is sensitive to Israeli concerns about language that could hinder its military efforts against Hezbollah. In a series of morning interviews, Blinken refrained from calling for a ceasefire, instead advocating for a diplomatic agreement.
Blinken pointed out the devastation caused by Hezbollah's rocket attacks, mentioning that around 70,000 Israelis had to flee their homes. He expressed a desire for people to return home safely, suggesting that a diplomatic agreement is the best way to achieve this.
President Joe Biden indicated that while a large-scale war could occur, there is still a chance for a settlement that could transform the region.
In contrast, Macron took a firmer stance in his address to the UN General Assembly, insisting that there should be no war in Lebanon. Meanwhile, in talks with the Qatari Prime Minister, Blinken mentioned seeking a ceasefire only in Gaza, which is a condition set by Hezbollah for stopping its attacks on Israel.
Blinken asserted that Hamas, not Israel, is currently obstructing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing that significant decisions remain for Israel to make.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq warned that Israel is pushing the region toward total war. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib criticized the US approach, stating that it would not resolve the issues facing Lebanon and that the US is in a unique position to effect real change in the region.
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