The US And Partners Work Hard To Avoid The Big War In Lebanon, Foreign Minister Blinken: The Risk Of Escalation Is Very Serious

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Twitter/@SecBlinken)

JAKARTA - Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday the risk of escalation in the Middle East was "very serious" while Washington and its allies were working hard to avoid a massive war between Israel and Lebanese-based militant group Hezbollah.

"In connection with Lebanon, we have worked hard with partners to avoid a massive war and turn to a diplomatic process that will allow Israelis and Lebanese to return to their homes," Foreign Minister Blinken said at the start of a meeting with senior officials and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministers in New York, United States., reported by Reuters on September 26.

"The risk of escalation in this region is very serious. The best answer is diplomacy, and our coordinated efforts are very important to prevent further escalation," he added.

Earlier, a senior State Department official on Monday said the United States and its allies and partners were exploring concrete ideas this week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly held in New York.

Earlier, Israel expanded its airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday and shot down a missile that Hezbollah said had been fired at the Mossad spy service headquarters near Tel Aviv, which escalated the conflict between the two arch-foe.

The hostilities coincided with Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas and had escalated, causing the death toll in Lebanon to increase and thousands of people fled their homes.

Washington has also been trying for months to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza that will bring back the hostages, but its success has proven difficult to achieve.

US officials said such a deal would also help ease tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.

"We must all continue to pressure all parties to make the necessary decisions to finalize this agreement. This remains the best way to repatriate the hostages, provide assistance to people, and can also help us reduce tensions in other fields," Foreign Minister Blinken said.