White House warns of increased tensions in the Middle East

WASHINGTON: The White House warned of escalating tensions in the Middle East following explosions of pagers used by Hezbollah and other electronic devices in Lebanon that the group blames on Israel.

During a press birdieing, White House spokesperson John  Kirby stated that the ‘solution’ to the ongoing crisis in Middle East ‘did not’ lie in increased military operations.

“We don’t want tension in the Middle East”, Kirby stated.

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Kirby clarified that the United States was not involved in the cyber attacks that have recently targeted Lebanon. He stated the belief that the challenges facing Lebanon can be addressed through ‘diplomatic channels’ rather than military intervention,.

“We still believe that the problem with Lebanon will be solved through dioloamtic efforts”, he remarked, though did not say how.

The spokesperson noted that a ‘complex’ diplomatic proves was currently underway, aimed at ‘preventing’ further escalations and new conflicts from arising.

“A complex diplomatic process is underway to prevent new cases from opening”, the White House representative said.

In response to the questions about the potential impact of the cyber-attacks on the ongoing ceasefire  negotiations, Kirby stated “it is too early to say what effect the cyber attacks will have on the ceasefie  talks”.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to mount on the ground, with the Israeli military officials issuing stark warning regarding their capabilities against Hezbollah,

Israel Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halvi during a visit to the northern command stated that Israel ‘possesses’ numerous military ‘capabilities’ that have “yet to be activated”.

“Our plan is phased, and at each phase, Hezbollah will pay a heavy price”, Halvi warned.

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Israeli media reports suggest that Halvi’s comments reflect a “broader” strategy to ‘deter’ Hezbollah. The Israeli military has been ‘closely monitoring’ developments in Lebanon and remains “prepared” to respond.