BEIRUT: The United States envoy Amos Hochstein will visit the Lebanese capital on Monday to continue diplomatic steps aimed at de-escalating the conflict across the Lebanese-Israeli border and bringing stability in the area.
A senior Lebanese official and a White House official on Sunday said that Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in hostilities for months in parallel to the war in Gaza. It has marked the worst war between the armed adversaries since a 2006 conflict, adding fears of an even bigger confrontation.
Deputy parliament speaker of Lebanon Elias Bou Saab, one of the officials expected to meet Hochstein, told media that he believed the visit will enhance efforts to secure a Gaza truce.
Washington has said a truce agreement in the Gaza war is close and is aiming to take effect by the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
Israel boycotts talks in Cairo
Israel however boycotted talks in Cairo after Hamas refused to provide a a complete list of captives that are still alive.
Hezbollah has publicly stated that it would stop its attacks on Israel from Lebanon when the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip ends.
Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati told media on Thursday that a pause in Gaza fighting would trigger indirect discussions to end hostilities along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel.
Bou Saab went on to say that Hochstein had ideas that may provide the start of a sustainable solution, and stability, and banishing the fears of war that is not in anyone’s interest.
Hochstein, who visited Beirut in January, had brokered a diplomatic settlement between Lebanon and Israel in 2022.
According to Gaza health authorities more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip in the Israeli offensive started in October 7.
