(Finance) – During a briefing with a small group of journalists, John Kirbyspokesperson for the National Security Council, expressed optimism regarding the progress towards a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. “We are closer than ever to an agreement on cease-fire” Kirby said, signaling a possible change of pace in the protracted conflict in the region. “If there is an escalation in the Middle East, the United States stands ready to defend Israel and ourselves as appropriate,” the National Security Council spokesman continued.
As the Washington Post reports: “The fear of an Iranian response to Israel is still high, But White House officials believe that US President Joe Biden’s efforts to rein in Iran following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran are bearing fruit and the Islamic republic may reconsider its “heavy-handed” response plan.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuduring a visit to the army recruiting base in Tel Hashomer, he urged the Israeli citizens to remain calm and composedstressing that Israel is prepared for defense and attack and is actively engaging in the country’s defense. Netanyahu praised the troopscalling them the “backbone of the nation.”
The commander of theIranian Army, Abdolrahim Mousavi, denounced Israel’s actions, promising a stern response from Iran to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and saying that the appointment of Yahya Sinwar as the new head of Hamas’s political bureau demonstrates continued Palestinian resistance. Iran’s acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri, criticized some European countries for not condemning Israel’s actions, which he calls terrorist and violators of international law. Bagheri expressed frustration at the lack of punitive action by the UN Security Council against Israel, despite accusations of aggression. Meanwhile, during a telephone conversation with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, the importance of active diplomacy to reduce tensions in the region was highlighted.
The situation requires a delicate diplomatic balance. Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister and Vice President of the Council, reiterated the efforts of the G7 and other regional actors to promote prudence and moderation to avoid a regional war that would have disastrous consequences. “We are doing everything, as the G7, with the Arab countries in the area, Iraq, all of them We are urging Iran to exercise extreme caution in this reaction”. The Foreign Minister and Vice President of the Council said this on Morning News, on Canale 5. “Naturally it is a appeal also launched to Israel because all parties involved must realize that crossing a certain limit in the conflict means giving rise to a regional war that would have very serious consequences”, Tajani continued. “We are working day and night through the diplomatic channels, initiatives, talkstrying to convince interlocutors, even those closest to Iran, to push so that Tehran does not have a disproportionate reaction. We hope that diplomacy can obtain positive results, one must never give up when one wants to build peace. Of course, Israel must also do its part, understand that the stability of the entire area is also in its hands, while still guaranteeing its independence”, he added.
“We continue to say absolutely do not travel to southern Lebanon and use extreme caution. Those who can return had better do so”, Tajani reiterated. “The Italians who are in Lebanon are around 4 thousand. However, most of them have dual citizenship and are residents. There are 300-350 who are there for work or other reasons. Some have already returned on scheduled flights, listening to our appeal, it is about ten people”, he continued. “However, our embassy in Beirut and our crisis unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working 24 hours a day to give all the necessary information to our compatriots who need to know how to try to return”, he concluded.