Global leaders try to dissuade Israel from increasing attacks on Lebanon

US backed Israel in blaming Hezbollah for strike on Golan Heights but is working on a diplomatic solution'

Global leaders were engaged in intensive diplomacy on Sunday to dissuade Israel from increasing attacks on Lebanon, amid fears that a wider regional war could erupt in response to a rocket strike that killed 12 children playing football in the occupied Golan Heights.

As the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, convened a meeting of his national security cabinet, the White House backed Israeli statements that blamed Saturday's attack on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, saying: It was their rocket, and launched from an area they control. It should be universally condemned."