“We have been lobbying Israel and Hezbollah on the need to avoid further escalation,” Kamikawa said TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko on Friday declined to respond to Israel’s threats that Lebanon could see destruction like that seen in Gaza. When asked at a press conference if she thought Israel might blast Lebanon back to the Stone Age — a threat made by Israel’s defense minister — Kamikawa evaded the question, responding: “We have been keeping a close watch on the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah with concern. We have been lobbying Israel and Hezbollah on the need to avoid further escalation of the conflict in the region.” Minister Kamikawa said that Japan will “continue to make steady and active diplomatic efforts” to help reduce tensions in the area and prevent it from spreading in the region.