Washington (National Times) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken appealed again Friday for a ceasefire in Lebanon, saying the diplomatic path remained open, even as Israel ignored calls to stop its strikes targeting Hezbollah.

“The choices that both parties make in the coming days will determine which path this region is on, with profound consequences for its people, now and possibly for years to come,” Blinken told a news conference as he wrapped up a week of talks at the United Nations.

“The path to diplomacy may seem difficult to see at this moment, but it is there, and in our judgment, it is necessary,” Blinken said, vowing that the United States would “continue to work intensely with all parties” to push a ceasefire.

“The most important thing to do through diplomacy is to try first to stop firing in both directions,” he said.

If a ceasefire takes hold, all sides can work to “reach a broader diplomatic agreement,” Blinken said.

He also, however, issued a warning about US interests.

To “anyone using this to target American personnel, American interests in the region — the United States will take every measure to defend our people,” Blinken said.

Blinken said Israel had a right to self-defense but added that diplomacy was a better solution.