Blinken says US, France 'coordinating closely' on Lebanon

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that France and the United States are “working everyday together” to avoid a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“A conflict about which we are convinced neither the Israelis, neither Hezbollah, neither Lebanon want, or neither Iran,” Blinken added, during a joint press conference in Paris with his French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné.

“We’re coordinating closely when it comes to Lebanon and trying to prevent any spread of the conflict there, finding a diplomatic way forward,” Blinken added.

Séjourné for his part said that Paris is seeking to prevent “any regional escalation.”

“I have in mind Lebanon. France made proposals that were favorably received by our Lebanese partners. And I will continue to talk to all interested stakeholders, and all stakeholders shall prevent any escalation,” he added.