BEIRUT: A US envoy said Monday that a diplomatic solution was key to ending nearly five months of intensifying hostilities between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel after the eruption of the Israel-Palestinian resistance group Hamas war.
In Beirut, US envoy Amos Hochstein highlighted that achieving a lasting and equitable security arrangement between Lebanon and Israel required diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that a temporary ceasefire alone would not serve. He cautioned against the dangers of a limited war spiraling out of control and urged for changes in security along the Blue Line.
The US envoy, who met with Hezbollah ally parliament speaker Nabih Berri, further indicated ongoing discussions with other senior Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, aimed at halting the violence along the border with Israel.
Hochstein emphasized that achieving peace was a collective effort involving global partners and reiterated the US commitment to supporting Lebanon’s economy and military once a way forward was established.
Hezbollah to Cease Attacks on Israel Once Gaza Offensive Ends
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s deputy chief Naim Qassem reiterated the group’s stance, stating that attacks on Israel would cease once the Gaza offensive ended.
While the US is tirelessly working towards a ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Israeli action against Hezbollah would continue regardless of developments in Gaza.
The ongoing cross-border fighting has resulted in significant displacement and casualties on both sides, with Hochstein previously acknowledging a mutual preference for diplomatic resolutions from Lebanon and Israel during a January visit.
