TOKYO, Japan: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated on Sunday that the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was likely responsible for a rocket strike in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 young people.
According to Blinken, there is significant evidence suggesting that the rocket originated from Hezbollah. He reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.
The Israeli military reported that the young victims were struck on Saturday by an Iranian-made rocket, carrying a substantial warhead, fired by Hezbollah at a football field in the Druze Arab town of Majdal Shams. However, Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the incident.
Blinken stressed the urgency of resolving the Gaza conflict, emphasizing that it has persisted for too long and caused excessive loss of life. He expressed a desire for Israelis, Palestinians, and Lebanese to live without the threat of violence.
He reaffirmed US support for Israel’s right to self-defense and highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Blinken mentioned that the U.S. is actively engaging with the Israeli government to ensure their citizens’ safety while also working tirelessly to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Our goal is to prevent the spread of the conflict and bring about a sustained ceasefire,” he said, stressing that achieving this objective remains a priority.
