US says Israel has right to defend itself

ROSTOCK, Germany, July 13 (Reuters) The United States, reacting to escalating violence between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas in Lebanon, today urged restraint on both sides but said Israel had a right to defend itself.

In a widening of reprisals after Hizbollah guerrillas captured two soldiers in a border clash, Israel aircraft attacked Beirut airport and blockaded Lebanese ports.

''We are urging restraint on both sides, recognising Israel's right to defend itself,'' a US administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

President George W Bush, who is travelling in Germany for meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, was expected to discuss the Lebanon flare-up at a news conference later today.

''We have to remember how this started with the Hizbollah attacks across the border and the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers,'' the US official said. ''Hizbollah's activities are working against the interests of the Lebanese people.'' The US official reiterated the White House's blame of Syria and Iran for the Hizbollah attacks on Israeli soldiers.

''The Syrians and the Iranians bear some responsibility by virtue of their harbouring Hizbollah,'' the official said.

REUTERS SHB BD1539