US diplomat calls capture of soldiers 'very dangerous'

A top US diplomat today warned the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Lebanon’s Hezbollah guerrilla was “a very dangerous escalation” and demanded their release.

“This is a very dangerous but important moment, when the responsibilities of all those who are sincere about finding a path toward peace will be tested,” said David Welch, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

Welch, who was speaking from the Arab League’s headquarters in Cairo, was on a tour of the Middle East that is due to bring him to Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Libya.