US Foreign Minister Reminds Israel Must Prepare Plans For Postwar Gaza

JAKARTA Secretary of State of the United States (US) Antony Blinken reminded Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of the need for Israel to immediately develop a postwar plan for Gaza and ensure tensions with Hezbollah on Israel's northern border do not occur.

"He (Blinken) informed the Minister of Gallant of ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance security, government and reconstruction in Gaza during the post-conflict period and stressed the importance of such efforts for Israel's security," the State Department said in a statement after the meeting was reported by Reuters, Tuesday, June 25.

Washington has repeatedly urged Israel to formulate realistic postwar plans for Gaza and warned the absence of such plans could trigger violations of the law and chaos as well as the return of Hamas in the Palestinian territories.

The Palestinians previously said the conditions for the end of the Israeli occupation and the formation of a Palestinian state would bring peace.

He also underlined the importance of avoiding further escalation of conflict and achieving diplomatic resolutions that allow Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes, the statement continued.

The Middle East was still in anxiety when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, June 23, the end of the fierce fighting phase in Gaza would allow Israel to deploy more troops along the northern border with Lebanon.

Earlier in June, Hezbollah targeted Israeli cities and military headquarters with the largest rocket and drone attacks in hostilities so far, after an Israeli attack killed Hezbollah's most senior commander.