US Presidential envoy Amos Hochstein stated that “a diplomatic solution can be achieved since no one wants a full-scale war between Lebanon and Israel.”
After meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday, he stressed the need for de-escalation, revealing that “US President Joe Biden asked him to return to Lebanon before the start of negotiations on Gaza this week.”
“The agreement on Gaza will help reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon to prevent a larger war, in creating conditions for the return of Lebanese refugees to the south and Israeli residents to the north,” he continued.
Pointing out that his message is “simple,” Hochstein affirmed that “America agrees with the Lebanese people who want to restore their lives in peace, security and prosperity and not have to live under the constant threat of war.”
Hochstein later met with Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson. According to the Saudi “Al-Hadath” TV, the army’s needs in equipment and material to enable it to deploy in the south were discussed in the meeting.
Later, the US envoy met caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib.
Additionally, Hochstein met a delegation of “Opposition” MPs, including: Elias Hankash, Fouad Makhzoumi, Michel Doueihy, and George Adwan of the Lebanese Forces.
Hochstein arrived in Lebanon from Europe and is expected to visit Israel as well.
