Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati yesterday to affirm U.S. support for the Lebanese people and noted growing concern over rising tensions along Lebanon’s southern border.

The Secretary reiterated the importance of respecting the interests of the Lebanese people, who would be affected by Lebanon being drawn into the conflict instigated by Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel.

Secretary Blinken expressed his condolences to the families of Lebanese civilians who have tragically lost their lives as a result of the conflict and underscored continued U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, the sole legitimate guarantors of Lebanon’s stability and territorial integrity.