In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to diplomacy and military action. The spokesperson reiterated Israel's right to defend itself against ongoing attacks from Hezbollah, which began on October 8th and have persisted. The official highlighted that military pressure could sometimes facilitate diplomatic resolutions, but also warned of the risks of miscalculations and unintended consequences.

The U.S. government continues to advocate for a ceasefire, but clarified that this would require mutual agreement from both sides, rather than a unilateral cessation of hostilities. A proposal for a 21-day ceasefire remains on the table, aimed at fostering a diplomatic resolution that allows citizens from both Israel and Lebanon to return to their homes.

The spokesperson also pointed out that the diplomatic burden does not rest solely on Israel, but also on Hezbollah, which has yet to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 that calls for its withdrawal from the border area. The U.S. is actively engaging with regional and global partners to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the conflict, while maintaining that military actions must be justified in the context of self-defense.