Blinken tells Lebanon it would be affected by being drawn into Israel conflict

(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati it was important to respect the interests of his people, who would be affected if the country were drawn into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the State Department said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the call took place on Friday. Blinken also affirmed U.S. support for the Lebanese people and noted growing concern over rising tensions along Lebanon's southern border, Miller said in a statement.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Daniel Wallis)