Blinken shares "deep concern" about Lebanon-Israel border tension with Lebanese PM Mikati

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his "deep concern" in a meeting with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Amman on Saturday about the cross-fire along Lebanon's southern border with Israel.

“Secretary Blinken thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership in preventing Lebanon from being pulled into a war that the Lebanese people do not want, as well as his efforts with regional partners to pursue durable and sustainable peace in the region,” State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said.

“The Secretary discussed US efforts to secure humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and noted that Lebanon needs to select a President to lead the country through both the regional and domestic crises.”

Some context: Iran-backed Lebanese paramilitary group Hezbollah has been engaged in daily skirmishes with Israeli forces on the Lebanon-Israel border since October 8.

On Friday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah hailed the crossfire as an "unprecedented battle" but called for a ceasefire in Gaza, signalling a reluctance to widen hostilities with Israel.