US says it did not support Israeli strikes in Syria, urges de-escalation, lasting ceasefire

WASHINGTON

The US said Thursday it did not support Israel’s recent military strikes in Syria, calling for a lasting ceasefire and de-escalation between Israel and Syria.

“The United States did not support recent Israeli strikes,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters during the daily press briefing. “We are engaging diplomatically with Israel and Syria at the highest levels, both to address the present crisis and reach a lasting agreement between the two sovereign states.”

While the spokesperson said that “more investigation” is needed into how the current violence began, she noted that “the discussions have created a dynamic where the Syrians have withdrawn. Israel has not continued. That has ceased.”

“There continue to be skirmishes,” she added, describing the recent escalation as stemming from “a rivalry between the Druze and the Bedouins.”

“The United States unequivocally condemns this violence. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire.”

Over the past 48 hours, Washington has led diplomatic efforts to promote “real de-escalation and peace,” she said, adding that the US has reached agreements with involved parties on “specific steps” to end the clashes.

“This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made, and this is what we fully expect them to do,” the spokesperson said.

“We are actively engaging all constituencies in Syria to navigate towards calm and continued discussions on integration and a stable, more prosperous future for all Syrians,” she added.